A variety of colorful backpacks will greet thirty at need elementary grade students as they return to classes at West Sedona School in August.

The backpacks, donated by the Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks, also contain essential school supplies suitable for grades K-4. Each backpack includes a 3 Ring binder with lined paper and a binder pouch, a spiral notebook, pencils, glue sticks, wedge erasers, safety scissors, a box of colored markers, a ruler and a set of assorted crayons.

This is the ninth year that Red Rocks Rotary has provided the backpacks and supplies. Delivered to the Sedona Oak Creek School District Administrative Office on July 18, they will be distributed by the SOCSD to students lacking the necessary start of school staples.
 

The backpack donation is valued at nearly $1,200 which the Red Rocks Rotary finances through its fund raising efforts. During its past fiscal year, the club hosted seven events including its signature charity golf tournament and the popular Red Rocks Oktoberfest.

 
Red Rocks Rotary has a long term relationship with Sedona’s schools according to its treasurer Donna Hawk. Since its inception in 2002, Ms. Hawk stated that “The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks has contributed more than $200,000 to the local community with much of that amount benefitting youth oriented projects and programs”. 

Contributions from Red Rocks Rotary have supported the bleachers at the Jack Malmgren Skate Park, campus enhancements at West Sedona School, the Splash Pad at Sunset Park in West Sedona, vocational scholarships for graduating area seniors, free child car seats for low income families, local youth sports programs, Rotary’s RYLA teen leadership camp and its annual Teacher of the Year awards that recognize outstanding Sedona educators.

The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks meets on Wednesday at Sedona Rouge Resort and Spa. Anyone interested in learning more about the club can contact Ms. Hawk at (928) 284-6820.