Pillars in Grimes

I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Iowa Character Awards presented by Drake University. This event highlights role models throughout Iowa and recognizes them as someone who impacted their community. Listening to the stories from each recipient, several people and businesses from Grimes came to mind who also represent these traits.  Although we’re growing, we’re not a large community.  Nevertheless, we have an extensive number of citizens and businesses that represent well the six pillars of character.

At some point in elementary school, you likely learned the pillars. If you need a reminder, allow me to help.  They include Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

As Board Chair of Grimes Chamber and Economic Development, Citizenship is the pillar that stands out to me. Webster defines citizenship as “membership in a community”.  However, local citizens of Grimes have more in common than living in the same community. We strive to be informed, engaged, and passionately promote good character. Examples include having coaches that teach good sportsmanship, cleaning up trash at Governors Days, volunteering with the Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign, and more!

We fortunately live in a community with engaged citizens that donate both their time and resources. As Grimes continues to grow, the need for volunteers and “pillars” in our community will be increasingly needed.  If you’ve considered volunteering at a community activity, I encourage you to contact the organization you’re interested in learning more about and take the first step towards becoming a pillar in Grimes.

Here are a few local organizations that rely heavily on volunteers:

Grimes Storehouse is a local food pantry that provides food and services free of charge to local individuals/families who need basic food and supplies.

GVSS is a charitable organization that assists seniors and disabled individuals, so they don’t need to leave their homes. As an all-volunteer organization, they fulfill transportation and other service requests for those in need.

Special Olympics of Iowa has a mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes, and the community.

Habitat for Humanity is not based in Grimes, but several businesses have supported them by providing opportunities for their employees to volunteer on building projects.  The organization brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. GDM Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every person should have a decent, safe, and affordable place to live.

I encourage you to get involved, volunteer, and have fun with your fellow residents of Grimes. Together we can make a difference and improve our community.  Any one of us can be an example for future leaders by representing good character.  Anyone can promote civility through character development and adopting the six pillars of character. Why not you?