MONROE, CT — The Rotary Club of Monroe had a busy fall season of service projects.
Earlier this year, Rotary conducted a month-long effort, “Let’s Get Personal,” collecting over 1,000 pounds of personal hygiene products, as well as cash donations, for the Monroe Food Pantry.
Rotary President Ken Kellogg said the club decided to focus its annual October drive to help stock non-food items the food pantry often needs, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and diapers.
Students in Masuk High School’s Interact Club, which is also affiliated with the Rotary, held a friendly classroom competition to contribute to the effort.
Collection drop boxes were also placed at Monroe Town Hall, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library and local businesses. The Club finalized the effort by encouraging donations during a Sunday collection drive at Stop & Shop.
“My thanks to Deb Heim, who chaired this event, everyone who volunteered, and especially to the students and families of Monroe that gave so generously,” said Kellogg.
In November, Monroe’s Rotary presented a $5,000 donation to the Unified Sports program for all three Monroe elementary schools. Unified Sports promotes inclusivity by matching special education athletes with regular education partners in a variety of athletic competitions.
Superintendent Joseph Kobza, who is also a Monroe Rotary Club member, said, while the program is well established in the middle and high school grades, the funds from Rotary will be used to expand and solidify the program at Fawn Hollow, Stepney, and Monroe elementary schools.
Funds were raised from Rotary’s 2024 L.A. Barnaby & Sons Golf Classic.
Also in November, Monroe Rotary members joined other Rotary clubs from the region to provide 10,000 prepackaged meals to victims of this summer’s historic flood.
Rotary District #7980, which includes Monroe, secured a $25,000 Disaster Relief Grant for this effort. Monroe joined the effort to unload the delivery in Southbury, where distribution among food banks throughout the affected area was coordinated.
The Rotary Club of Monroe focuses its efforts on service to the local community, while supporting the national and international efforts of Rotary. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and the Monroe club is active in supporting a wide range of efforts in Monroe.
The Club meets most Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. and welcomes anyone interested in joining. “The primary qualification is your desire to serve our community,” said Kellogg.
For information about joining the Rotary Club of Monroe, visit RotaryClubofMonroe.org or send an email to [email protected].
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