2018 Rogers Scholars graduate Madison Barron, left, is congratulated by Kelly Leigh, coordinator of the Family Resource Center at Eubank Elementary School, for organizing a clothing drive to support students at the school.
2018 Rogers Scholar Madison Barron of Pulaski County loves children and helping others.
She combined these two interests to complete a community service project that served more than 300 elementary students in need.
Barron, a junior at Pulaski County High School, organized a clothing drive for the Family Resource Center at Eubank Elementary School.
She collected new and gently used donated clothing items for all ages of students served by the school’s Family Resource Center in northern Pulaski County.
Before she donated the clothing items, Barron washed, dried, and ironed each item so that children would have fresh, clean clothes.
“I’m interested in a career in social work, because I want to help as many people in the future as possible, especially kids,” said Barron. “This project meant a lot to me, because it enabled me to help kids in my own community and furthered my interest in helping children in need.”
One of the challenges of her community service project was getting the word out about the clothing drive, she said.
Barron created a promotional flyer announcing the clothing drive and posted in local businesses. She asked businesses to help promote the event and designated a collection site in the community where people could drop off donated clothing items.
“Each Rogers Scholars graduate is asked to complete a community service project within one year after graduating from the program,” said Allison Cross, youth programs coordinator and community liaison at The Center. “Madison’s project demonstrates a commitment to service and helping others in need.”
Barron, daughter of Brian and Patricia Barron of Eubank, was the first graduate from The Center for Rural Development’s 2018 Class of Rogers Scholars to complete her community service project.
“The Family Resource Center at Eubank Elementary School depends greatly on donations from parents and the community,” said Kelly Leigh, coordinator of the Family Resource Center. “Without their generosity, we could not meet the ongoing needs of our students. Thanks to Madison and everyone who helped her with her wonderful project.”