Never underestimate the power of creative kid-thinking. This year, 11 students in grades 5-8 at Ruch Community School outside Jacksonville participated in an Oregon Community Foundation “Community 101” group. The program provides students the opportunity for real-life learning through charitable giving and volunteering.
The students received $5,000, contributed by several community members known collectively as the Friends of Ruch School, to award to the nonprofit organizations of their choice. They determined key community issues to focus on and established a mini-foundation. As part of the program, students also had to do a community service project. Under the direction of teacher Jason Straube, the C101 students visited the Family Nurturing Center and CommunityWorks in Medford and learned that many of their clients need—and sometimes can’t afford—baby diapers.
Voila! The Diaper Dash was born, a 5K Walk & Run on Saturday, May 2, starting at 9:00am at Ruch Community School, 156 Upper Applegate Road in Ruch.
Everyone is invited to participate and online registration is available at http://goo.gl/6u13P9. Runners and walkers will travel Upper Applegate Road to Hamilton Road and return to the school. The entry fee is a new pack of diapers or a cash donation. All dollars and diapers will be donated to the Family Nurturing Center and CommunityWorks. The Applegate Fire Department will provide medical support and local businesses will supply other goods and services.
For more information, please contact Jason Straube at Ruch Community School, 541-842-3496, Jason.straube@medford.k12.or.us or Jennesa Datema, Associate Program Officer, Youth Philanthropy, The Oregon Community Foundation, (503) 552-3509, JDatema@oregoncf.org.