Jeff Hendred shares his response to Rep. Miller-Meek’s community service acknowledgment

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Jeff Hendred is the owner of Polar Xpress frozen yogurt shop, Principal of Wilson Elementary, and an overall server of his community was recently acknowledged by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks for his countless hours of service to the Ottumwa community.

On Friday, May 14th, he taught his students the importance of community service and organized a trash day called Making Wilson Shine. He says this idea started on Earth Day.

“Trash day started, well, Making Wilson Shine started on Earth Day. What can we give back to the earth? Because the earth has given so much to us. So our Positive Behavior Team said what if we pick up trash in the neighborhood?”

When asked how he makes time to make everything happen he says teamwork.

“It works with a team, I mean one person can’t do it all. So when you have people who can do things together you can make a big splash. One person makes a little ripple but a lot of people together, that’s a big splash. If we can make a big splash in Ottumwa then we’re making it a clean place and a great place to be.”

After the recent acknowledgment of community service hours, Hendred wanted to give a special thanks to the people in his community.

“First I want to thank Mariannette and all the work she’s doing and all the other politicians. Sometimes we don’t appreciate their work but without them, we wouldn’t be where we’re at. So I really appreciate that and thanks to all the people in Ottumwa that are making a difference that isn’t being recognized, but it’s not about being recognized it’s about making a difference where you live. When you make a difference where you live then the world gets better all the way around.

With a full list of things to accomplish on his agenda Jeff Hendred says besides more community service, his focus is getting his doctorate degree by this time next year.