March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

COVID or not, the Annapolis Rotary keeps on moving

The Rotary Club of Annapolis continues frontline community service projects through difficult times. 

Rebuilding Together In October the Club held its annual Rebuilding Together project to help a resident repair his long-time home to age in place with dignity and independence. Led by Sue Weber, the project involved 18 Rotarians and spouses who painted, replaced ceiling fans, and installed grab bars and safety equipment at the Eastport home. On the exterior, improved lighting and landscape modifications were made for safety and convenience. The Rotary is proud to work with Rebuilding Together to support the health, safety, well-being, and financial status of residents and the community. (Photos attached) 

The Dictionary Project One of the Club’s favorite activities is the annual distribution of dictionaries to third grade students in the fall of each new school year. The nationwide Rotary project is intended to help students become good readers, writers, and thinkers. Presenting the dictionaries was a challenge this year with hybrid school schedules, remote learning, and strict safety measures in place, however, Club members were able to give 475 dictionaries to eager third graders in seven Annapolis elementary schools. 

Winter Coat Drive This year’s Winter Coat Drive has had a big impact with 115% more coats collected than last year. Project chair Carolyn Richards and her committee gathered 140 coats, 35 hats, 20 scarves, snow pants, and dozens of pairs of gloves and socks for Seeds 4 Success to distribute to school-aged children and families throughout Annapolis. Richards was thankful for generous support from the community this year. “Everyone knows people are struggling,” she said. “At the very least, we want children to have coats.” 

Quick Impacts A new program to increase opportunities for both service and fellowship was initiated by the Rotary Breakfast Group at the beginning of Covid. Called Quick Impacts, the program has rapidly become a Club-wide program linking people wanting to help in the community with service opportunities needing volunteers. Projects that are appropriate for the program (1) can be completed in a day or less (Quick); (2) will benefit community and member fellowship (Impact); (3) will align with Rotary’s mission; and (4) can benefit from a small group of 4-6 Rotarians helping out as a group. 

The projects are vetted and announced on the Club’s website and newsletters to recruit volunteers. A Rotarian acts as in-house liaison for each project, coordinating with the project lead and the Rotarian volunteers who sign up to help. All volunteers follow appropriate safety protocols when participating. Area nonprofit organizations needing a small team of volunteers for a quick, impactful project are encouraged to contact a Rotarian or send details to [email protected]. 

The Rotary Club of Annapolis welcomes guests and new members. The Club was founded in 1921 and will celebrate its centennial in 2021. The Club includes 140 members focused on improving our local community and the world. Members attend breakfast, lunch, or happy hour meetings depending on their schedules. To learn more about Rotary see www.annapolisrotary.org

 

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