What We Do to Add Some Light

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 - The club received about 14,500 new books and distributed them to programs and schools serving children. The value of reading materials estimated at $200,000. Additionally, 16 club members participated in "Rotary Reads" 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. Last Christmas, members volunteered in excess of 175 hours, and collected and donated over $300,000 worth of products, food and coats.

3. YOUTH PROGRAMS - We provided scholarships to 8 RYLA students and sponsored 2 inbound and 1 outbound Rotary Foreign Exchange students. Also we helped initiate and sponsor an InterAct chapter at Shawnee Mission South High school, and some of their 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 - This project is coordinated 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. We have scheduled periodic video conference calls between clubs, and will host a Rotary Exchange Group from this club in May 2020.