2018 Rogers Scholar Allison Niemeier of Whitley County organized a sock drive to benefit domestic violence victims for her community service project.
Niemeier, a graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program, launched a “Sock Rock” campaign earlier this year for the Laurel County Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services Inc. shelter.
“By serving a group of people in my community who are often forgotten, it showed me the power of service,” said Niemeier, a student at Corbin High School. “My project not only humbled me, but drew attention to a different struggle faced in my own community.”
Niemeier used the power of social media to get the word out about her campaign and placed donation bins at various locations throughout the community.
“Allison has shown such initiative with the Sock Rock project,” said Sr. Marge Manning, who worked with the high school student on the project. “By volunteering at the shelter, she identified a need and showed the leadership and ingenuity to organize and complete her project. She is an inspiration for other young people in our community.”
Niemeier is the daughter of Cliff and Tamara Niemeier.