Backpack drive at fair honors late Iowa Falls-Alden teacher

A table full of colorful and superhero adorned backpacks at the Franklin County Fair was the perfect way to honor Rose Van Dyke.
The former area 4-H leader and Iowa Falls-Alden High School math teacher lost her battle with cancer on July 10. Her obituary encouraged loved ones to send backpacks and school supplies to Iowa Falls schools. That gave Jackie Dohlman, county youth coordinator with Franklin County Iowa State University Extension, an idea. She decided to help organize a challenge for Franklin County Fair goers to bring backpacks and school supplies to the 4-H booth and “Fill a Backpack for Rose.”
The effort collected more than 30 backpacks and school supplies such as glue sticks, notebooks, writing utensils and more. Dohlman said the outpouring of support for the movement reflected who Van Dyke was as an educator, a 4-H leader and a human being in general.
“She was the real deal,” Dohlman said. “She was very genuine and wanted to help the kids.”
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