Small leader, big impact

LCC fifth grader leads drive for dignity

LAUREL - Laurel is blessed to have a food pantry and coat closet to serve the needs of the community. Soon, community share bins will be available for hygiene needs, too.

The new endeavor is under the direction of Laurel-Concord- Coleridge fifth-grader Alma White. She’s collecting all sorts of hygiene items especially deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, and mouthwash for the share bins that will be placed at both LCC campuses, and possibly in the community.

“The concept of the share bins are to place them around the community and school so that anyone who needs any of the items can grab them,” she said.

The hygiene items drive and share bins are part of White’s platform as Nebraska’s Kid Governor program. Students participating in the civic education program learn about the three branches of state government, the role of the governor, why elections are important, the history of voting, leadership, and civic participation.

White’s teacher at LCC, Nicole Cross, and the Kid Governor coordinator, Juan Milan, helped her come up with the hygiene drive and share bin ideas. She’s been collecting hygiene items since Feb. 5. “I have a good start but we could use some more,” White said. “My ultimate goal is to collect as much as people are willing to donate” until the March 13 deadline. Those wanting to contribute to the cause may drop off items at LCC or contact Anthony or Laura White, Alma’s parents. “I really hope that people will contribute to this and this is something I hope to keep going throughout my time at LCC,” White said.

She became part of the Nebraska Kid Governor cabinet after winning a primary election in her classroom. White then produced a campaign video and was ultimately selected.

So far, she’s enjoyed being involved in the kid’s version of state government, especially her inauguration at the state capitol and meeting the other kids involved.

“I like being a leader and helping people,” she said.