Jodi Reiners, Mitchell School District Caring Closet honored for community service

Jodi Reiners of the Mitchell School District Caring Closet was recently honored by Associated School Boards of South Dakota with the ASBSD Community Service Award for efforts in addressing multiple issues in the district and area communities.

The Community Service Award is presented to individuals or groups serving their local school district in exemplary fashion.

As the Coordinator of the MSD Caring Closet, Reiners has recruited support from students, community members and service clubs and has been successful in securing several grants and business partners for a program that is a valuable resource for students in the district in need.

Reiners has been instrumental in gathering resources for the MSD Caring Closet, which provides clothing, hygiene products and household items for students, as well as appropriate attire and footwear for the changing seasons or for job interviews or graduation. She has collected backpacks and food items and built a series of instructional videos for cooking food.

“The resources and support Jodi and the Caring Closet are providing to Mitchell School District students is a beautiful display of caring and compassion for kids in the community,” ASBSD Executive Director Dr. Douglas R. Wermedal said. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to honor her efforts.”

ASBSD is a private, non-profit association representing more than 850 South Dakota school board members, the 148 school districts they govern and the students they serve. Our vision is leadership to achieve excellence for South Dakota public education through a mission of partnering, advocating and leading.