SWEETWATER COUNTY — The first Student United Way in Wyoming has been established. Student United Way of Southwest Wyoming is an extension of United Way of Southwest Wyoming and was formed by students of Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC).
“Student United Ways are a movement of passionate student leaders committed to improving lives and strengthening communities. They are forming all over the country,” said Kathy Tacke, Executive Co-Director United Way of Southwest Wyoming. “This is something we’ve wanted to have for a long time. With the help of our dedicated volunteer, Shelley Richno, and the support from WWCC, it has taken off. We are so fortunate to have such a strong group of student leaders that saw the value in it, and also wanted this for our community and local students.”
“Western is a big part of this community. With that, it is important to us to make a positive difference not only in the lives of our students but the community as well. I’m very happy to have a larger community presence with Student United Way,” said Dr. Karla Leach, President, Western Wyoming Community College.
Student United Way’s (SUW) emphasis will be on education with additional projects centered on health and basic needs.
To be eligible for SUW, students must be a student at WWCC. High school students who are taking college courses can also join. Currently, there are about 15 active members that were recruited through a membership drive at the local high schools and WWCC.
In November, SUW took on their first project by holding a bone marrow drive at WWCC. Volunteers distributed information and manned a booth. 105 people who were willing to sign up as bone marrow donors, swabbed the inside of their cheek at the booth. These swabs were then sent to Delete Blood Cancer and are cross referenced with patients in need of a bone marrow transplant.
As part of their education focus, SUW started a reading program. Wanting to be leaders in literacy, they volunteer at preschools and afterschool programs by reading to children.
In December, SUW volunteered for the Shop with a Cop program by wrapping gifts. They also helped with the WWCC float that was entered into the Holiday Parade by student body clubs.
“I joined Student United Way of Southwest Wyoming because I wanted to give back to my community, and to make Rock Springs a better place to live. Since joining this club it has helped me realize how fortunate I am and how big of an impact can be made in someone’s life just from volunteering. I would recommend this club to anyone because it has helped me form relationships with people from all around our community and learn more about myself along the way,” said President of Student United Way of Southwest Wyoming, Kenadi Freuler.
