Major Activities
Our members are free to work on the committees and activities they select. Fortunately, there are many from which to choose out of the four arenas; International, Community, Vocational, and Club Service. Here is a sample to tweak your interest:
Thanksgiving Baskets
The annual Thanksgiving Day Basket program provides 1,300 families with a turkey and all the trimmings to make dinner a reality. It takes two days to assemble the “basket” which is prepped on the Sunday before the holiday by children and grandchildren of our members with an assist from local high school volunteers. On the next day, the Monday before Thanksgiving, the turkeys arrive and an assembly line is formed. This takes several hours of hard work, but the boxes get filled and loaded on the trucks and the dinners are delivered to houses of worship for final distribution to the families in need.
Blood Drive
Working with the New York Blood Center, we arrange for the hall, the helpers, and the snacks. Then we promote the event, making sure that the donors arrive in a timely fashion.
Gift of Life Program
Working with several other clubs in the district, this activity provides open heart surgery for children from many countries throughout the world. We pick them up at the airport, drive them to the Ronald McDonald House, get them clothing, assist the parents, and raise money for every-day needs. One of our most popular activities, involvement in the Gift of Life Program is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Service Above Self! To date, this program has saved thousands of children from more than 50 countries!
Working with Youth
We sponsor clubs in each of our local high schools. Known as Interact, the students get involved in Rotary activities of their own choosing, as well as assist us with our projects. The Rotary versus Interact softball game is a highlight of our annual picnic. The Interactors meet once a week, and one or more of our members is in attendance.
In the middle schools we make our presence known through RYMA - Rotary Youth Merit Awards - presented each year to eight students who exemplify Service Above Self.
Annual Concert
In Spring of each year, we present a family “pops” concert. This is our major fund-raiser and we produce a printed program in which our local merchants place ads. Well over 500 people attend this event - it is a highlight in the community. Our members sell ads, put up posters, collect tickets, hand out programs, serve as ushers, and supervise the Interactors who help at the event.
Meeting Emergencies
Unforseen tragic events occur. We’ve collected money, shoes, and clothing with very little notice, and sent it where needed. Members volunteer where and when they are able, and know there is a full support system to assist in their efforts.
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