MUSCATINE, Iowa–In the summer, students from around the country come to Muscatine to participate in internships for several major companies. Along with learning valuable skills related to the professions they hope to enter and gaining on-the-job experience, their internships introduce them to life in Muscatine and show them the experiences they could have if they move to the city following graduation. This year, United Way of Muscatine held its second Intern Day of Caring, bringing together 82 interns from Bayer, HNI, KENT Corporation, Muscatine Power and Water, and Stanley Consultants on June 28, getting them out into the community and assisting many with vital projects.
United Way of Muscatine Community Engagement Manager Hilary Henke shared that interns assisted with 16 projects. From reading to students in the Summer Program for Arts, Recreation, and Knowledge (S. P. A. R. K.) to walking dogs at It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources’ shelter to doing trail work at the Fairport Fish Hatchery to aiding older adults with yard work and house painting, the interns took care of many tasks: “I think it went great. It was a successful day,” Henke observed. “I had some seniors contact me because they were so grateful to have work done that wouldn’t have been done otherwise–the same for the non-profits.”
Though the interns came from all over, they appreciated the opportunity to assist the community they live and work in for the summer. Russell Hingst, originally from the Cedar Rapids area and a senior at the University of Iowa studying systems engineering, came to Muscatine to serve as a division engineer intern in the maintenance department for Grain Processing Corporation. During the Intern Day of Caring, he assisted an older adult with yardwork on her property. Hingst appreciated the chance to make a difference. “I got the email from the company, and I thought it sounded like a good way to give back to Muscatine,” he explained.
A group of interns gathered at the Riverview Center following the Intern Day of Caring. Photo courtesy of United Way of Muscatine.
Aidan Glasgow, a senior at the University of Illinois studying mechanical engineering, traveled to Muscatine from his home in southern Illinois to intern in production development for HNI. Glasgow did the Intern Day of Caring because he wanted, “To serve others and help people in need.” By working with other interns to clean out a shed and help with yard work for an older adult, he valued, “Just being with my peers, the other interns, and getting to help others–it felt fulfilling.”
Though United Way will not hold its original Day of Caring until Sept. 20, they urgently need more volunteers for RAGBRAI’s stop in Muscatine on July 29. With positions still open for golf cart shuttle drivers, greeters, watermelon slicers, photo helpers to take pictures for people as they dip their bikes in the Mississippi, and traffic directors at the riverfront, Hilary feels confident that everyone interested in volunteering can find a task that suits them. Anyone who wants to sign up to volunteer for RAGBRAI may do so using the sign-up form available on United Way’s website.
