Algona Schools Care Project, also known as Project ASC, is an organization that started over ten years ago. Project ASC is for students and their families. This organization provides help for families with unmet needs. Project ASC hopes that helping students, through donations, will help increase student and family success in life, in or out of school.
The idea was brought alive by Marilyn Gale, a former school counselor for Algona public schools. Marliyn brought this idea forward after hearing of the success of a similar project from the staff at Boone High School. When brought to the staff at Algona Community Schools, it was supported right away. Many staff members had little to no doubt that this project would be a great addition to provide.
Nominations for this project are made by any staff member of Algona Community Schools. Once nominated, the school counselors get together and come to a decision regarding the request. Counselors check community resources available before approving the requests. Community resources can include places like the Algona Food Pantry and the CARE Team, just to name a few, that the families may not know about.
The staff at the Algona Community Schools, along with other community organizations, have donated money to help with the funding of Project ASC. ASC has also been represented at community events. An event they have attended in the past is the Live Greeting Card Windows in downtown Algona. Here, Project ASC representatives and staff members from the Algona schools serve hot chocolate to those out and about for a free will donation.
In August, Project ASC was selected to be the recipients of the 100+ Women Who Care donation. The donation of over $13,000 will allow Project ASC to continue their mission of helping students and their families when they are in need. Julie Stein, AHS school counselor, commented specifically on the 100+ Women Who Care donation, stating, “It is wonderful to be part of such a caring, kind community. Project ASC will be able to support many more students and families because of the 100+ Women Who Care.”
In the 2020-21 school year, Project ASC assisted 20 families, using $3,300 of the project’s funds. ASC provides families in need with things such as glasses, groceries, medication, gas cards, caps and gowns, winter clothes, and personal hygiene items, just to name a few.
If you would like to learn more about Project ASC, or to make a donation, you can reach out to any of the Algona Community Schools’ counselors.