The cynics in our world are quick to assert that college students live in a self-indulgent, self-centered world where truly being a part of the community where the college is located is simply not a priority.

For some students, that may be true.

It’s certainly not the case, however, for the Iowa Central Community College students who work hard to orchestrate a service project called “Share What You Wear.” Their commitment to this charitable undertaking illustrates that finding time to help make the world just outside the academic halls a better place is very much a priority for many young folks.

Saturday, Iowa Central students welcomed several hundred area residents to the annual “Share What You Wear” event at the Career Education Building. This undertaking has a quite serious purpose: to allow people in need to obtain toys, clothing and household items. During a time of economic troubles, this endeavor is of particular importance.

The project began in 2004 as joint effort of the Iowa Central Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa. It has grown to involve the entire campus community. This year, Wal-Mart and the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way helped boost the fundraising effort undertaken to support this important charitable effort.

The college years are filled with exciting opportunities to explore many fields of knowledge. That so many Iowa Central students also see this as a time to be giving members of the larger community is impressive evidence that our area’s young adults most definitely have their priorities in very good order.