Serving Our Military
Bellflower Rotary Serves the Armed Services
In conjunction with the Armed Forces YMCA, The Rotary Club of Bellflower provided 260 military families with toys, formula, diapers, baby wipes, blankets and clothes. Donations for the event were received from District 5280, Rotaract, LA Quilters Guild, Long Beach Food Finders and Urban Taskforce.
On May 14, 2008, Bellflower Rotarians completed the second Toy Give Away at the Pendleton YMCA Mother's Day gift card give away. Ken, Rick, Marlys, Rosangela and Sheila took three SUV's loaded with goodies to Camp Pendleton. The YMCA had scheduled appointment for 260 military families for May 14 - 16 for their Project Liberty Call, a Mother's Day gift card give-away.
At Christmas, District 5280 and Rotaract collected toys for the children of military families. The Rotary of Palos Verdes also collected toys at their Christmas Party. The Urban Task Force through District 5280 collected baby items for families in need. Items included bottles, diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, socks, bibs, cereal, baby food, formula, shampoo or gift cards to Target or Walmart. The LA Quilters Guild provided hand-made quilts for the event.
There were soldiers from all branches of service present at the event. When the families and children arrived, they were allowed to choose an item for each child present in the family. The children had a wonderful time choosing their favorite toys. There were some larger items donated such as car seats. The YMCA will be working closely with the social workers at the hospital to make sure they go to needy families.
The day was a huge success and the Rotarians enjoyed the time as much as the families did.
Â