In mid-March, when the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent to all, the Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates formed a team that adopted the name "Action Squad" in the spirit of Rotarians being "People of Action." That group has met (virtually, of course) regularly since its formation and has contacted many of the community partners with which we work on an ongoing basis, They developed a plan to respond to this unprecedented situation and the club approved funding to carry out these efforts. In the weeks since this group came together approximately $14,000 has been expended in efforts to help those in need in our communities.
Projects have included funding for the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry, meals for senior citizens served by the Barn in Schaumburg, grocery store gift cards and Chuck Jones art kids to families served by HEC/POC, food and needed supplies for the WINGS shelter serving victims of abuse in our communities, food and other assistance for veterans served by Trickster Gallery and various items for the Kenneth Young Center to enable them to continue their service and mental health counselling activities.
We have received many words of appreciation from our partners. Below are a couple of examples.
FROM Hoffman Educational Center/Partners for Our Communities
This was a picture of our students connecting safely with other families after receiving the gift card and art kit. They were all so appreciative of the Rotary Club's generosity. 31 families were served today with varying amounts given. In the next week, we will identify the families that are in severe crisis and gift them the remaining gift cards. We will be back there next Thursday between 10:30-11:30.
As my Grandma Mac always said - Thanks a Million! ☘️
Best to the entire Rotary Club for being such an inspiration in kindness and compassion for others.
From our Friends at Partners for Our Communities :
Thank you for generous grant to help POC serve children and families in the Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg area. Many families in the surrounding communities count on POC in times of crisis. We are receiving many calls and questions about what this pandemic means to a family in poverty. Individuals isolated due to language have serious questions that if unanswered could be critical. We are running on a skeleton staff of bilingual community navigators and liaisons and youth development staff with the Executive Director working alongside each. We are practicing social distancing, curbside pick up and drop off of food and community resources. Other non-crucial staff is working from home. We have been mobilizing people and donations, and communicating with partnering agencies to best serve these truly vulnerable children and families.
Thank you again for helping us empower people and change lives for a community of strong citizens, healthy families, and vibrant neighborhoods.
FROM WINGS
Dear Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates,
I want to thank you for your crucial donation during this time of uncertainty for so many of us. The amount of money that you have used to buy supplies for us is above and beyond what I expected.
It is so easy for people to think only about their families during a time like this, but YOU thought about our WINGS families too. I am truly grateful.
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FROM SOCIAL SATURDAY AT THE BARN, REINVENTED WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING
