Bailey’s Boutique at Waterloo CSD continues to grow year after year, and thanks to the support of community partners like the Waterloo Rotary, that will continue to be true. In early May, members of the Rotary donated a check for $517.30 to Bailey’s Boutique.

The Waterloo Rotary already sets aside funding for donations each year for local food pantries and to celebrate achievements of Waterloo students. The gift to Bailey’s Boutique aligns with both of those initiatives. 

“Every quarter, the Waterloo Rotary gives $25 gift certificates to each Student of the Quarter for local area restaurants, places we feel kids would enjoy going to,” explains Mrs. Marianne VanNostrand, a Waterloo rotarian who also serves the district as a secretary in the high school copy room. “Our donation to Bailey’s Boutique is because it has the elements of a food pantry, and supports students in need.”

Bailey’s Boutique, founded in 2021 by three Waterloo High School students, is a student-run thrift shop offering free items for students to use during the school day. Provided items are donated by students, staff, and local organizations, businesses, and families, and include clothing, food, school supplies and hygiene items. Thanks to the generosity of the Waterloo Rotary, more items can now be purchased for the store. 

The Rotary gives to Bailey’s Boutique throughout the school year, but was able to make this larger donation during a recent school assembly with leftover funding set aside for the district. 

“We’ve supported the district for many years, and are thrilled to continue doing so,” says Mrs. VanNostrand.