Mercer Island Martial Arts collects 1,000 pounds of food for MIYFS

[Krista Wells]

By REPORTER STAFF
Mercer Island Reporter Staff
December 6, 2011 · 11:32 AM

Locally owned and operated Mercer Island Martial Arts collected and donated 1,000 pounds of food for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, exceeding last year's 600 pounds.

This is the 10th year that MIMA has held the food drive with its "Homework Challenge." Kids who complete 21 days in a row of homework (or reading for the day if they don't have homework) are homework winners. The kids are then qualified to break a board, and invite friends to a big Halloween party with a bouncy house, obstacle course, games, face painting, popcorn and a costume contest. The kids are asked to bring their friends, and the cost of admission is food.

"The kids really work hard telling all their friends," said MIMA manager Tina Jackson. "It's all about giving back to the community."

Mercer Island Martial Arts has been in business on the Island for 14 years.

"We try to teach the kids, experientially, leadership skills — really, how to change the world, one project at a time," said MIMA instructor MeLisa Turcott Strongheart.