Community Service 2021-22

Community Service Opportunities

Rotary Club of Red Rock fulfills ‘winter wishes’ for local students

Making a list and checking it twice. That’s the mission of Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks and its merry band of shopping elves this holiday season.

Partnering for the second consecutive year with Sedona Oak Creek School Unified School District and its Winter Wishes project, Red Rocks Rotary is providing much needed items for 10 students selected by the district to be in the program. This year’s students that Red Rocks Rotarians will be shopping for range in age from pre-kindergarten to tenth grade. The boys and girls each complete a “wish-list” for the school district that includes clothing, shoes, an item for school use and a personal item. Wanted items included sneakers, backpacks, water bottles, toys and mechanical pencils.

Stacy Smith the SOCUSD Registrar and coordinator of the Winter Wishes program received the initial two gift bags packed with items furnished by the Rotary club on December 11. Smith expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with Red Rocks Rotary.

Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks established its own holiday gifting program in 2012. Every year since, Red Rocks Rotary has worked with other local charitable organizations to identify individuals, families and seniors in need during the holidays. The club has furnished everything from clothing to household items, gasoline gift cards, toys, items for sports and pet food. Seniors have received socks, blankets, yard clean-up and housekeeping services.

Red Rocks Rotary treasurer Donna Hawk said that the club has spent an average of $2,800 per year on the program for the past 13 years. “The funds have come from both the club’s fund-raising efforts and from contributions from the individual club members. It’s always one of our favorite annual ways of giving back to those in need in our community."

Scottsdale North Rotarians support Good Neighbor Holiday Party

Members of the Scottsdale North Rotary Club participated in the Good Neighbor Holiday party at the Foothills Food Bank’s new facility on December 12 by serving hotdogs and providing fruit to nearly 600 people. The neighbors were provided toys, blankets, boots, socks and special snack bags along with other thoughtful gifts. All had fun!

We received a very nice thank you letter from the Foothills Bank:

———

Dear North Scottsdale Rotary,

We are so grateful to have received your generous donation of four $50 gift cards, as well as the many items from our Amazon Wish List! Your support will make a big difference for families in our community this holiday season.

Attached is a formal acknowledgment of your donation for your records.

Thank you again for helping us bring joy and support to our neighbors!

Warmly,

Barb Shehan

Rotary Club of Sedona Village spreads holiday cheer with gift-wrapping event

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village brought holiday cheer to local families through its second annual holiday gift-wrapping event, supporting families in the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona’s Hope House.

Village Rotarians purchased and wrapped approximately 50 age-appropriate gifts, based on suggestions provided directly by program recipients. The effort ensured that children and families most in need would receive thoughtful holiday presents.

The event was led by Rotarian Holly Johnson and combined service with fellowship. Members gathered for a cheerful evening of gift wrapping followed by a potluck dinner hosted by Gary and Tracey Thie.

“This event reflects what Rotary is all about—neighbors helping neighbors,” said club President Carol Hess ..It’s a small gesture that can make a meaningful difference during the holiday season.”

The holiday gift-wrapping project is part of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village’s ongoing commitment to community support, alongside its work in youth programs, food security, veterans’ services, and local nonprofit partnerships.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Sedona Village or how to get involved, visit sedonavillagerotary.org.

Rotary service project brings joy to nursing home residents

Another amazing community service project in the books! The Rotary Club of Lake Havasu recently delivered poinsettias to our local nursing homes — a tradition that brings so much cheer to the residents and just fills your heart.

Many of these sweet souls don’t have family nearby, and seeing their smiles reminds us exactly why we do what we do. The joy, the conversations, the hugs… it’s an experience that stays with both our members and the residents.

A huge thank-you to the staff at each home — your kindness, care, and appreciation mean the world. We are grateful to give where we live, and we look forward to this meaningful day every year.

Rotary Club of Sun City supports Glendale Challenger School

The Rotary Club of Sun City delivered supplies to Glendale’s Challenger School in the form of 200 pairs of shoes, 271 recreational reading books and 100 hygiene/dental kits. The kits included toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, soap, a comb, a brush and shampoo.

Challenger School is a Title IX school with a significant percentage of students being first-generation Americans while also coming from relatively low-income homes. School staff, teachers and PTSA determine which students have the greatest need for the supplies.

Sun City Rotary has a long history with Challenger School. This is the second time the Rotary club has bought shoes for Challenger students, but it is the first time the club provided books and hygiene kits as well. Club members have also participated in the Challenger School community Thanksgiving dinners and Winterfest celebrations. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the school’s Rotary Interact Club was one of America’s largest middle school service clubs and was active in the Challenger community. Funds for the current project were provided by the Sun City Rotary Foundation.

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes supports local veterans

On Veteran's Day the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes Club President Ed Anderson presented Mark Pearlstein of the AZ Veterans Fly Fishing with RCSL $500 check to supports the organization's mission. Arizona Veterans Fly Fishing is a not-for-profit organization that is designed to help facilitate the physical and emotional well-being of disabled veterans through fly fishing and related activities.

Also at same event, RCSL Rotarian Gary Kay presented Captain Bill Wooster and Sheri Hanson of the AZ Patriots Riders-Yuletide for Heroes with RCSL $500 check and gift certificates to support The Patriots Yuletide 4 Heroes Christmas adopt-a-family program - gifting presents and food to veteran, active-duty military, law enforcement and/or 1st responder families in need.

Rotary Club of Sedona Village supports local food bank

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village welcomed Jane Tusso, President of the Board of the Sedona Community Food Bank, as the featured speaker at its November 20 meeting. A long-time volunteer, Tusso offered an insightful look at the vital work of the Food Bank, which has operated independently for 43 years and serves Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Page Springs, and Cornville.

Tusso reported that over the past year the Food Bank assisted more than 9,600 households—representing 13,700 individuals—and distributed 259,000 pounds of food. This effort is made possible through the dedication of 54 volunteers who sustain its day-to-day operations.

Rotary members brought canned goods to the meeting as part of the Club’s ongoing support for this essential community resource. The Club expressed appreciation for the Food Bank’s continued service to area families and for Tusso’s leadership and commitment.

Community members wishing to support the Sedona Community Food Bank can learn more or make a contribution by visiting sedonafoodbank.org.

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes recycle collection exceeds 10,000 pounds

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director

Per Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) Debbie Bailey, the 4th RCSL electronics recycle collection day at Sun Lakes was a success. Three truckloads of equipment - 10,432 pounds - was collected. Arizona students recycling used technology, otherwise known as AZStRUT (501c3), started in 1997 by Intel and Motorola, will refurbish and distribute the equipment to Arizona schools and nonprofits that will benefit. AZStRUT started partnering with non-profits, such as RCSL, and with valley schools’ computer repair programs to assist in the refurbishing efforts.

The event’s chairperson Debbie and RCSL Club President Ed Anderson, extend grateful thank you to all the volunteers and donors who made this event a success. To learn more about RCSL - see http://www.sunlakesrotary.com

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes supports Gila River Indian Community School

RCSL Club President Ed Anderson, RCSL Rotarian Debbie Bailey, Casa Blanca Principal Kim Franklin, Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000 Board President Dr. Elaine Ralls and RCSL Rotarian Gary Whiting.

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes is honored to support Gila River Indian Community Casa Blanca School.

Members have supported the school through AWIM (A World in Motion) jet car mentoring/competitons, library book donations and gifts of lawn picnic tables/umbrellas. The Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000's Board President Dr. Elaine Ralls presented the school’s Principal Kim Franklin with a $1,359 check directed towards purchase of library books. RCSL Rotarian Debbie Bailey has ordered 70 books and gifted them directly to the school. Each book was stamped with a “Donated by the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes - with Rotary logo”.

Additionally at a recent RCSL meeting, Andrew McBride, Director of Engineering at Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority, presented the school’s principal a check for $500 and RCSL gifted another $500 to be directed toward purchase of two lawn picnic tables and umbrellas. Principal Kim was excited for school’s children to be able to read new books at the new lawn tables on a beautiful fall day.

For more RCSL info - see http://www.sunlakesrotary.com

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes raffle benefits service animals for vets