Rotary clubs and their members throughout Arizona invite friends, neighbors and fellow citizens to join them as they conduct service projects to benefit the local community during the third annual Rotary Week of Service April 15-21, 2024. Rotary Week of Service aims to bring communities together to address pressing needs and assist families, schools and organizations. Rotary clubs throughout the state are planning a wide range of community projects that include hosting food drives, cleaning local parks, donating items to homeless shelters, planting trees and more. “We invite our friends, neighbors and fellow civic organizations to join our Rotarians as we perform service projects throughout our state,” said Kevin Pitts, district governor for Rotary District 5495. “Rotarians do great things all year long, but we felt the time was right to combine our efforts and bring our communities together to focus on one solid week of service. Rotary is committed to making our world a better place – and there is no better place to start than in our own community.”
There are over 100 Rotary clubs – and more than 3,000 Rotarians -- in Arizona serving towns and cities of all sizes. Arizona is served by two Rotary districts – District 5495 and District 5500. The state’s first Rotary club was started over a century ago and several clubs in Arizona have recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. Many clubs have a community service project planned during Rotary Week of Service. A complete list of community service projects can be found at azrotary.org. Visitors to the site can find information on projects in their community and sign up to volunteer or participate in the project. District 5495 will kick off Rotary Week of Service with The Prom Closet, conducted by the Rotary Club of Peoria North. The annual event will this year be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m., April 6-7 and 13-14 at the GESD System of Care Center, 7677 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale. Rotarians from throughout the state volunteer at The Prom Closet, which provides formal prom attire free of charge to all high school students. Volunteers are invited to join Rotarians throughout the week to assist with a local service project. Contact Shawn Wehan for assistance in posting your club project. “We know there are a lot of people who want to help others and give back – but just can’t seem to find the perfect opportunity. Rotarians are not only committed to service, but they’re closely connected to their communities, and in the best position to identify and coordinate local projects that address urgent needs,” added Mr. Pitts. “We want this to be a true community-wide effort, and encourage non-Rotarians to join us,” he added. Rotary is a worldwide organization with over 1.4 million members and more than 35,000 clubs. Rotary members throughout the world take action to make communities better. They contribute their time, energy, and passion to carry out meaningful and sustainable projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, help mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. | 