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Timberline Students Work to Meet Community Needs

Timberline Student Ambassadors — students who take on leadership and service responsibilities — have a new partnership with a community non-profit to collect and provide items to local families in need.

Learning About Community Needs

“Our 8th and 9th-grade Ambassadors wanted to provide a service-learning project to benefit our community, so the Ambassadors took a field trip before Winter Break to tour the WayPoint Resources (formerly Waukee Area Christian Services) facility and better understand the services provided to meet community needs,” Counselor Connie Gardalen says.

“Touring their building was great and definitely a place I’d like to go to again! We got to see their storage, mini health office, garden, and multiple other spaces,” 8th-grader Ace Petersen says.

“It was eye-opening to see the need within our community and it was inspiring to see all those who are willing to help,” 9th-grader Alli Khoo says.

From that moment, WayPoint Resources and the student group knew they could make a difference. 

Initiating a Service-Learning Project

IMG 2247“We will be promoting and facilitating four different drives for WayPoint Resources through the rest of the school year. To make it a bit more interesting for teenagers, we’re making each drive a competition in each pod,” Gardalan explains.

“We decided we wanted to help our community and those who don’t have the same privileges that we do,” Alli adds.

WayPoint and the students helped determine the monthly drives that would make the most impact. 

  • January: Diapers/wipes
  • February: Laundry soap
  • April: Clothing
  • May: Food

“We’re taking extra steps and time to keep classmates engaged in the drives. Through posters, prizes, and speeches, we’ve been able to let everyone know and hopefully be able to keep them engaged,” Ace mentions.

Finding Value in Serving as a Timberline Student Ambassador

The Timberline Student Ambassadors are a group of 8th and 9th-grade leaders. Besides owning service-learning projects, the group prioritizes other duties including new student tours/mentoring, recycling, assistance with assemblies, and much more. It’s a coveted position that the students had to earn by applying and interviewing for a position in the group.

IMG 2295“I decided to apply for the Timberline Ambassadors because I wanted to make the school a place where everyone feels welcomed and included,” Alli shares.

“I’m learning more leadership through this from seeing all the differences we’re making from our efforts at Timberline,” Ace reflects.

If you’d like to contribute to the school’s monthly drives, please drop them off for Connie Gardalen at the Timberline School office between 8:30 and 2:30. WayPoint Resources also takes items at their headquarters or partnering organizations.