Our Community Service – Hygiene Kits for Tabitha's Way

Group Photo  of UVU Rotaractors with Kits for Children and Hygiene

On Monday, September 8th, 2025, Utah Valley University (UVU) Rotaractors Natalia Figueroa, along with Louyoko Nianza, Richard Farah, Jacob Burnthorn, Caleb Ream and Aemish Brock contributed to the assembling of hygiene kits for Utah humanitarian group, Tabitha’s Way. They participated as members of the Utah International Mountain Forum, a coalition of clubs at Utah Valley University, which advocates for sustainable mountain development in Utah and worldwide. We were also joined by Martin Figueroa, a future UVU student. We all came together in a spirit of service to assemble hygiene kits for children and families in need through Tabitha’s Way here in Utah County. UIMF members are also members of the UVU Rotaract Club, which is a student branch of the Rotary International, a famous worldwide non-governmental organization. Tabitha’s Way is a food pantry network in Utah County. They provide food and hygiene kits for families and people in our community that are facing food insecurity and support our community members to be self sustainable.

UIMF does this through a student-engaged learning (SEL) model. SEL allows students to gain hands-on leadership experience, connect classroom knowledge with real-world service, and make a meaningful impact in their community while addressing global issues such as poverty and sustainability as a group with faculty mentoring them.  This service project also is part of the assignment for students enrolled in the POLS 3569G Class which integrates hands-on activities to develop important skills for students for their professional career. In addition, such activities help students to develop in particular team work and leadership skills, to be better prepared for classes and activities during 2026 Spring and Summer Semesters for their visits to the United Nations forums on sustainable development.  

 I was able to assist Orem-Lindon Rotarian Cherise Armstrong to coordinate activities of our team. For this purpose we  lined up tables in an assembly-line style, creating an efficient and cheerful process where everyone worked side by side with smiles and teamwork.

 

(L to R): UVU Rotaractors Aemish Brock and Richard Farah Packing Hygiene  Kits

For the children’s kits, we packed toys, diapers, wipes, blankets, and soap—little comforts to bring both care and joy. For the all-ages hygiene kits, we thoughtfully included deodorant, wipes, body wash and soap bars, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, lotion, shaving cream, and towels. Each item was chosen to provide both dignity and relief to those who will receive them. 

Martin Figueroa, Natalia Figueroa, Cherise  Armstrong Packing Hygiene  Kits

This effort was made even more impactful thanks to our partnership with the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club members, who generously donated supplies and ensured everything was delivered directly to Tabitha’s Way. Together, we filled an entire tote of kits to support individuals and families in our community who truly need them.

It was a heartwarming evening of service, teamwork, and compassion, and we are grateful for every hand that helped make a difference.

                     By Natalia Figueroa,  Foreign Affairs Club President and political science Student of UVU

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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS

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25-09-24-Louyoko-Nianza-Giving Back Through Hygiene Kits My Reflection

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25-09-18-Aemish-Brock-Supporting Utah Families Through Hygiene Kits

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