Alma Middle School launches ‘Club Den’ with Rotary support – The Morning Sun
Adam Vibber, president of the Rotary Club of Alma-St. Louis, presents Donald L. Pavlik Middle School students Ainsley Falor and Ali Sandro with a check for $1,400 to establish the “Cub Den,” which provides free food and personal care products to their classmates. (Courtesy photo).
Members of the Rotary Club of Alma-St. Louis were so impressed by the presentation by two students from Donald L. Pavlik Middle School in Alma that they decided to support the project financially.
Seventh-grader Ainsley Falor and eighth-grader Alli Sandro presented their idea to the club to start a “Cub Den,” which would offer free food and personal care products to classmates who cannot afford them.
After learning of the proposal, the Rotary Club agreed to support their efforts with a donation of $1,400.
Of the nearly 500 students who attend the school, 69 percent are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, which are based on household income, Falor and Sandro emphasized during their presentation.
They acknowledged “that food insecurity is a real problem in our community that impacts school-age children,” said Brittany Stoneman, a member of the Rotary Club and Community Impact Director of the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties, in a press release.
“While the Michigan School Meals Program provides students with one free breakfast and lunch per day, the Cub Den will fill in gaps that students may have,” Stoneman said. “Student leaders have designed a plan to stock up on snacks as well as non-perishable, easy-to-prepare meals such as macaroni and cheese, canned soups or ramen noodle packets – items that can help reduce the impact of food insecurity on weekends when students are not in school.”
In addition, the Cub Den offers free personal care products including deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner.
The goal is to “create a safe and judgment-free zone for students” who need support, Stoneman said.
“By utilizing guidance counselors and student leaders, the Cub Den will provide a discreet and rapid response to students’ needs so they can succeed inside and outside the classroom,” she explained.
“We are proud to invest in the work of DLPMS student leaders who are committed to the health, well-being and education of all students.”
Individuals or other organizations interested in supporting the Cub Den with either a financial contribution or donation of needed materials may contact James Tice or Sara Miller at 989-560-4430.
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