On Wednesday October 14, 2026, 8 Utah Valley University Rotaractors , gathered alongside the Orem-Lindon Rotary club members to deliver clothing at a local Parkside Elementary School in Orem City. Those who came along were Megan Ashcraft, Jackson Weech, Ashley Low, Kayla Hatch, Natalia Figueroa, Angie Macias, Aemish Brock, and Alan Calderon who all helped and contributed throughout the event.
UVU Rotaractors standing in front of Parkside Elementary School
Starting the event, the Orem-Lindon Rotary club members hosted lunch at the Golden Corral restaurant in Orem City and invited the Utah Valley University Rotaractors to join. Alongside eating, Garret Anderson, a new member of the Orem-Lindon Rotary club, was able to introduce himself and show his background. He explained how he had gone on a mission to Brazil, and afterward went to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. Alongside this he also worked at an internship in Mozambique for a mapping project.
Garret Anderson speaks before Rotarians
Afterward Garret Anderson would go on to work in many states until he arrived in Utah not that long ago. Here he works In Orem as the Economic Development Director, and helps guide the city with economic visions for the city. Afterward, with the help of Sheryl Merkley the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club President, the Rotaractors were split into groups and went to Parkside Elementary School in Orem City, to send out the different bags of coats and clothing for the school to give out to the students.
The UIMF arriving at Parkside Elementary School being Guided by Cherise Armstrong
After meeting at Parkside Elementary School, Orem-Lindon Rotarian, Cherise Armstrong who helped collect the clothing, guided the group in taking in the clothing into the school and getting through the staff. The Rotaractors were able to drop off the clothes which consisted of the following.
The Utah Valley University Rotaractors arriving to check Timpanogos Academy
Sadly afterward Cherise Armstrong had to leave, so with the help of Sheryl Merkley, Orem-Lindon Rotary Club President, the UVU Rotaractors left on their way to the last school, Timpanogas Academy. On the way to the school the students passed by many schools that the Orem-Lindon Rotary club members had previously delivered clothing and dictionaries at. The trip really brought into perspective all the help that the local Rotarians have been able to give to the community around the globe but also more importantly in our local communities.
The UVU Rotaractors are waiting to deliver clothing by Timpanogos Academy along side Sheryl Merkley, President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club
To the disappointment of the group however, the academy had barely been closed due to fall break going on. But, even though there was disappointment, the UVU Rotaractors were able to learn an incredible amount with the help of the many members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club members constantly trying to uplift the community and support anyone and everyone. Being able to physically see the value of local service that Rotarians are constantly advocating and being a part of helps the UVU Rotaractors push to help support local and foreign groups as much as they can. Not only was the service incredibly important but being able to interact with the Rotary Club members and participate directly with the Student Engaged Learning by allowing the students to plan and grow as a group their abilities by learning and applying their skills in real time through the incredible mentorship of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club members. All showing the importance of in person connection and students working together with the local communities to grow and improve.
Written by Alan Calderon, President of the Sustainable Mountain Development Club.
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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26-10-17-Ashley Low-Delivering Coats to Lolcal Elementary Schools Alonside the Orem-Lindon Rotarians
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26-10-18-Angie-Macias-Support the Community Through Service and Donation Projects
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26-10-16-Kayla-Hatch-UVU Rotaractors Deliver Clothing to a Local School Along With Rotarians
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