Clean the World is eternally grateful for the volunteers who help us achieve our goals of recycling soap and saving lives. Among these amazing volunteers are a group of students from Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Clean the World team members work hand-in-hand with young adults in Cheyenne’s Postsecondary Opportunities for Students in Transition (POST) program to increase the students’ occupational, social, and behavioral skills and help them become more productive in their everyday lives. While volunteering in the Clean the World warehouse, they sort bottled amenities collected from hotel partners in and around Las Vegas — so we always appreciate their hands-on support.
Kirk Howser is the POST special education teacher at Cheyenne. Howser oversees this entry-level individualized education program for disabled young adults ages 18 to 22 years old. The POST program helps his students demonstrate independence and competence in areas of employment, socialization, and independent living skills. Their class discussions often teach the students the importance of hygiene products, and why it’s necessary to provide them to those in need.
“Clean the World has opened up new teaching opportunities for our students who have disabilities” Howser said. “Our students do not usually get the opportunity to give back to those in need. It’s usually the other way around. For me personally, I’m happy that I get to share the wonderful feeling of giving back with my students … to see them smile knowing that they are helping someone is really special.”
Howser and his students make a lot of great memories during their volunteer sessions at Clean the World. However, one of their favorites was taking a class picture in front of the Christmas tree. For Howser, giving back is always special, but he says it took on even more significance during the holiday season when the group combined memorable moments with learning and laughter.
We truly appreciate the dedication and passion of the POST students during their weekly visits. Clean the World always welcomes young adults who want to make a difference and increase the impact of our mission. We value our part in helping these young adults develop workplace experience, independence, and communication skills. Their selflessness never goes unnoticed.
Researched and written by Gabrielle Lintz, an intern in the Clean the World marketing department.
