Volleyball Team Assists with Clothing Drive

Volleyball Team Assists with Clothing Drive

Marshalltown, IA – After the devastating tornado that ripped through downtown Marshalltown, there has been an unbelievable outpour of support from people all over the state. The Marshalltown Community College (MCC) faculty and staff went downtown the following day to assist in the cleanup and the images made it clear the rebuilding process would take months. Since that day, MCC has housed the American Red Cross, donated its parking lots for damaged cars, and opened up its doors to several city and county departments after the courthouse suffered server damage.

Two weeks after the tornado hit, there is still much to do. On July 1, after the athletes had only been on campus a few days, Head Volleyball Coach Justin Hoskins, took his players downtown to show them what remained of the community they will play for this season. Coach Hoskins knew his team was willing and able to help so on the first official day of practice for fall sports, the team-traveled downtown to Woodbury Elementary School to assist in a clothing drive for those who lost their homes and belongings.

Becky Jacobson, a second grade teacher at Woodbury, started the clothing drive just three days after the tornado hit. With support from people all over the state, the small Woodbury gym was filled with clothes for people of all ages and sizes. Jacobson received so many donation she stopped accepting clothes. The large piles took a long time to sort, and it became obvious she need a little more help.

"The MCC volleyball girls have done a great job this morning," stated Elly Mack, one of the clothing drives organizers. "They have made this process much easier for us and made it easier for the community members to find what they need. They are very organized and we appreciate the extra help".

Most of the 2018 Volleyball team is from outside the state of Iowa but one member close by during the tornado. Freshman Sadie Smith was in Tama, Iowa, 25 miles east of Marshalltown down highway 30, when she got the notification that the tornado had touched down in Marshalltown.

"We received the notification on our phones and we all stopped what we were doing and went to the basement," stated Smith. "We had neighbors that didn't have basements come over to our house and we all sat around waiting it out and seeing what was happening in Marshalltown. So today, working here at the clothing drive is a great way to give back to this community and provide them with at least a little comfort."

Coach Hoskins wanted to make it clear that the volleyball team would be active in the community and wanted them to see first-hand why it is important to get involved.

"To me, supporting the community is extremely important," stated Hoskins. "Coming out to Woodbury today and helping with the clothing drive was a great opportunity for our volleyball girls to see not only the impact the tornado has had on the community, but also to see the great amount of support that this community provides to each other. I'm glad we were able to get out in the community today and we are looking forward to getting out a lot more throughout the school year".

The clothing drive has been going on for two weeks now, with set times for residents to stop by the rest of this week.

Wednesday, August 1: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, August 2: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Friday, August 3: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM