Serving Siouxland: Junior League of Sioux City finds several ways to make an impact

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The Junior League of Sioux City has a long-standing history of giving back to the community, and members of the group work to keep that tradition alive.

Megen Noll got involved with the Junior League eight years ago. She says when flooding hit Sioux City’s riverside neighborhood, the organization was ready to lend a helping hand.

“We went door-to-door and kind of assessed the damages and what was going on and how we could help so we knew how we could help,” she said.

Noll said the experience was powerful.

“We cried, we laughed, we helped, I mean it was just so much full of emotions, but so amazing and I brought my family with me and they helped,” she said.

One of the organization’s longtime fundraisers is their period pantry. That provides feminine hygiene products to schools. Kayla Kellen helps manage that project. She estimates the Junior League of Sioux City has helped roughly 10,000 girls across more than 30 schools access feminine hygiene products.

“It’s been incredible,” Kellen said. “We’ve heard so many great stories about the girls we’ve helped and different circumstances we never would’ve thought of on our own, so it’s been very rewarding so we’re excited to watch it grow and continue helping the girls in Siouxland.”

Siouxlanders can donate money or products to the period pantry. Another opportunity to help can be found at the group’s discovery shop. That’s a thrift store that raises money for the Junior League, one of their largest fundraisers. All proceeds from there go directly toward projects to benefit the community.

Volunteer opportunities range from helping other non-profits like the Food Bank of Siouxland or the farmer’s market. However Siouxlanders take part, they have a chance to make an impact. Danielle Gutierrez Stone is the president of the Junior League of Sioux City. She says the organization is driven to make positive change.

“My heart and soul really is in the community,” she said. “I love helping people. I know what it’s like to not have resources or to need someone to be there to support you and Junior League really is about supporting each other​.”

If you are interested in joining Junior League of Sioux City, you can find more information on how to become a member by clicking here.

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