This is an illustrative image, not an actual photograph of the New Hampton Dance Team or their event.
NEW HAMPTON, IOWA ~ There was more than football in the air at New Hampton High School on Friday, October 9. Along with the cheers from the stands and the excitement on the field, something pretty special was happening just beyond the sidelines.
A truck was waiting to be filled. Not with equipment, not with football gear, but with a whole lot of hometown kindness.
The New Hampton Dance Team had invited fans to participate in its Stuff the Truck Night, collecting everyday essentials for the Chickasaw Pride Pantry at New Hampton High School.
And did this community ever show up!
When the donations were counted, the team had collected 365 items and $78 in cash to help stock the Chickasaw Pride Pantry and support people in the community.
The donations included 175 personal hygiene items, 181 food products, and eight containers of laundry detergent.
Now, those might sound like ordinary household items. But to a family trying to stretch a grocery budget, a bottle of laundry detergent, something for supper, or a few personal necessities can mean an awful lot.
And that’s what made this particular Friday night worth cheering about.
While the Chickasaws were taking on Waukon on the football field, students, families, and neighbors were showing that school spirit can reach well beyond the scoreboard.
The collection was part of the New Hampton Dance Team’s ISDTA Cares Act community-service effort, giving students an opportunity to make a meaningful difference close to home.
The team also extended a special thank-you to Vern Laures Auto Center for providing the truck used during the collection.
There’s something especially encouraging about young people recognizing a need in their own community and doing something about it.
Because sometimes a winning night isn’t measured only in touchdowns or points.
Sometimes it’s measured in the number of families who may have a little less to worry about because somebody cared enough to help.
And in New Hampton, that adds up to 365 little reasons to be thankful.
Hats off to the New Hampton Dance Team, everyone who contributed, and the community that helped turn one football night into something that will matter long after the final whistle.
There’s always something good goin’ ’round!
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