Adopt-An-MVHS-Senior Program Now In Its Second Year

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The Adopt a Senior movement has begun its 2nd year of collecting funds and donations to be presented as farewell gifts to the MVHS Class of graduates. The program, which was created for last year’s graduates by Logandale resident Jenna Rhude, is again being organized for the class of 2021.

“Because the kids were so affected by the COVID this year, we are re-running the Senior Adoptions program again,” said Rhude.

The program started up last week and has surged forth, seeking donations and collecting all the information on the Seniors graduating.

“I think I have all of the funding I need to provide the graduation baskets,” Rhude said. “I do need addresses and information on several of the seniors, though.”

This year, Rhude is using a Facebook Page to coordinate the effort. The Adopt an MVHS Senior Class of 2021 can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/271051730581546/?ref=share. Rhude has found social media to be the best way to coordinate and centralize donors, adopters, and seniors to find.

Last year, they put together enough baskets for every MVHS senior, including those who had opted to take the GED instead.
“The community was exceptional last year in making sure every senior got a graduation basket,” stated Rhude.

“The biggest thing this year is I still need seniors to fill out the Google Docs form,” Rhude added. “So seniors need to go to the Facebook site. There is a link to the Google Form needed.”

Rhude also needs help from volunteers when crunch time comes. “I will need delivery drivers and people to help to make sure every Senior gets the goodies,” Rhude said.

The primary way of donation is financial. Monetary donations may be made to Jenna, who then uses that money to buy the treats and items for the baskets.

The baskets are delivered anonymously and messaging will simply read, “Moapa Valley loves and supports you.”

“This keeps it more from the community and makes it fair to each senior,” Rhude said. “Also, it’s more fun this way. They have no clue exactly who provided for the basket. But it is a team effort within the valley.”

Those who adopted specific seniors are asked to keep it anonymous. Many donors wanted to do the other option, “adopt, shop, and drop off.” This option allows donors to adopt seniors and do the shopping themselves. The items are then dropped off for the baskets. Each donor wanting to do this option is given a list of things that fit the generalized idea of the baskets.

“The deliveries begin at the start of May,” Rhude said. “So we need all the seniors to fill out the form by then, so we know where to deliver and what some of their likes and dislikes, interests, and more.”
The paramount need with the form is, so addresses are known for deliveries.

For more information about adopting a senior program, contact Rhude through the Adopt a Senior Facebook page or through Facebook Messenger app.