LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) – Jessica Randall won the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award for opening a donation closet for survivors of sexual assault.

Randall was shocked to learn that people who have been sexually assaulted are leaving emergency rooms with paper scrubs and mesh underwear – after reading an item on the subject.

In February, she launched the Survivor Clothing Project to ensure that people leaving the Mayo and Gundersen health systems have appropriate clothing when they leave the facility.

“The project isn’t just about physical clothing. It’s about making a difference, de-stigmatizing sexual assault and just helping other human beings,” Randall said.

She wanted to make a difference for others, but also learned about herself along the way.

“There is something about making changes that changes you. It actually made my decision to continue to be a doctor as a powerful change agent on a daily basis,” she said.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals WI, Upper Mississippi Chapter awarded him the 2021 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award for his work.

“Not only does this highlight and recognize their contributions, but it also inspires all of us, ‘Hey, if you see a need in this community … We all have the power to raise and contribute,’ ” AFP, said said WI President Jonathan McKenzie.

She appreciates the recognition, but said winning awards was not her goal.

“Sure, it’s nice to be recognized, but that’s not why you do the job in the first place,” Randall said. “That’s the beauty of volunteering and giving of yourself to others. “

She said it’s never too late or too early to start helping.

“All you have to do is send this email or talk to that person and then you can start because at the beginning I didn’t really have any contacts. “

Onalaska Senior honored with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award ”