OPRotary may not have a signature 4th of July project these days. But we still try to add some light to our world. Here's how.
--- Thanks to all our members who make these efforts so rewarding.
OVERLAND PARK ROTARY’S 2019-2020 SERVICE CONTRIBUTIONS
1. ROTARY READS PROJECT
About 14,500 new books distributed to programs and schools serving children.
Value of reading materials = $200,000.
16 club members participated in Rotary Reads by in local elementary classrooms.
2. JOHNSON COUNTY CHRISTMAS BUREAU
The Bureau helps make Christmas happen by distributing groceries, winter coats, new clothing and gift items to 11,000 of our Johnson County neighbors.
Volunteered in excess of 175 hours by club members.
Collected and donated over $300,000 worth of products, food and coats.
3. YOUTH PROGRAMS
Provided scholarships to 8 RYLA students.
Sponsored 2 inbound and 1 outbound Rotary Foreign Exchange students.
Helped initiate and sponsor an InterAct chapter at Shawnee Mission South High school in which 70 members appear at many of our weekly meetings or service activities to help fulfill community service commitments.
4. PARTNERS WITH CAPE TOWN AFRICA CLUB
Coordinate through the Helderberg Sunrise Club to provide support for the 800 students at the Solomon Qatyana School in the form of workbooks and funding for teacher training. Matching grants have been obtained through the District.
Regularly scheduled video conference calls have started.
We will host a Rotary Exchange Group from this club in May 2020.
As part of the Rotary Reads program, Overland Park Rotary Club member and CGSC Foundation Trustee Mike Meyer arranged for the donation of more than 300 children’s books to the Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library on Feb. 14, 2020.
In the photo above, Meyer, far right, celebrates the donation with (from left) Lora Morgan, Foundation Director of Operations; Michael Hittson, CARL Circulation Librarian; Kelsey Busch, CARL Acquisition Librarian; and Rod Cox, Foundation President/CEO.
Books donated include Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Men Tell No Tales, Star Wars – Leia, Princess of Alderaan, and Beauty and the Beast – Lost in a Book.
The CGSC Foundation has supported the children’s reading program at the library for several years.
Members interested in going to Abilene to help, please let Jeff Ellis (jeffellis153@gmail.com) know of your intention if you want to coordinate rides. Those going will meet in the Doubletree parking lot (front of hotel, south lot nearest College Blvd) at 6:45 AM on Monday, March 2.
Tuesday, March 3 Morning
WIC COMMUNITY GARDEN7:30 - 9:30 AM. For details contact Dave Stallings, David@DavidAStallings.com.
Friday March 6 Morning
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND ACTION CONFERENCE
Learn how we can all take action to stop human trafficking in our communities. Special breakout sessions for parents.
Keynote Speaker: Derek Schmidt , Kansas Attorney General, Friday, March 6, 7:45 - 11:30AM, Church of the Resurrection on Roe, Building C.
Attendance is $20, cosponsored by Lenexa and Leawood Rotary Clubs. For information and registration, contact Lenet Compton, lenetcompton@gmail.com.
