Rotary Anniversary Food Drive
Posted by John Betrus
In the spirit of Service Above Self, Monroe Rotary celebrates the founding of Rotary International by sponsoring a community food collection project.
MONROE, MICHIGAN The Rotary Club of Monroe will coordinate a canned and non-perishable food drive, to support the food distribution programs of the Monroe County Salvation Army, St. Joseph's Church Food Closet and St. Michael the Archangel Food Bank. The collection effort will begin February 23 and continue until March 8.
Unfortunately, homelessness and unemployment continue to rise in Monroe County, and food bank operations remain strained as they try to meet demand. According to Major Michael Thomas of the Monroe County Salvation Army, "The Salvation Army and most other food distribution outlets are experiencing heavy demand. Many unemployed and under-employed families must turn to food pantries as their primary source of food."
Monroe Rotary decided that a community service project would be the most fitting way to celebrate the February 23, 1905 anniversary of the founding of Rotary International. "The motto of Rotary is 'Service above Self,'" explained club president Bill LaVoy. "We think the best way to commemorate the founding of Rotary is to do something that benefits others."
Food drop-off sites include Monroe Bank & Trust's (MBT) Downtown Headquarters, Main (Downtown) Branch and Operations Center; plus the South Monroe, South Dixie, West Monroe, North Monroe and North Dixie branches. Key Bank's North Telegraph and South Dixie branches, and Walgreen's locations on North Monroe St. and on Telegraph will also collect food.
Stores, schools, businesses and organizations that would like to participate should email Rotary Food Drive Chairman John Betrus at john.betrus@mbandt.com.
Recognized as one of the world's premier service and humanitarian organizations, Rotarians build schools, vaccinate children, facilitate clean water initiatives and provide health care clinics in poverty-ridden regions of the United Stated and in over 200 other nations. Since 1924, the Rotary Club of Monroe has spearheaded numerous service projects that have enhanced the health, welfare and quality of life of Monroe County residents, from volunteering manpower to support programs for special-needs children to funding, building and maintaining Monroe's Munson Park Playscape and SkatePark.
Unfortunately, homelessness and unemployment continue to rise in Monroe County, and food bank operations remain strained as they try to meet demand. According to Major Michael Thomas of the Monroe County Salvation Army, "The Salvation Army and most other food distribution outlets are experiencing heavy demand. Many unemployed and under-employed families must turn to food pantries as their primary source of food."
Monroe Rotary decided that a community service project would be the most fitting way to celebrate the February 23, 1905 anniversary of the founding of Rotary International. "The motto of Rotary is 'Service above Self,'" explained club president Bill LaVoy. "We think the best way to commemorate the founding of Rotary is to do something that benefits others."
Food drop-off sites include Monroe Bank & Trust's (MBT) Downtown Headquarters, Main (Downtown) Branch and Operations Center; plus the South Monroe, South Dixie, West Monroe, North Monroe and North Dixie branches. Key Bank's North Telegraph and South Dixie branches, and Walgreen's locations on North Monroe St. and on Telegraph will also collect food.
Stores, schools, businesses and organizations that would like to participate should email Rotary Food Drive Chairman John Betrus at john.betrus@mbandt.com.
Recognized as one of the world's premier service and humanitarian organizations, Rotarians build schools, vaccinate children, facilitate clean water initiatives and provide health care clinics in poverty-ridden regions of the United Stated and in over 200 other nations. Since 1924, the Rotary Club of Monroe has spearheaded numerous service projects that have enhanced the health, welfare and quality of life of Monroe County residents, from volunteering manpower to support programs for special-needs children to funding, building and maintaining Monroe's Munson Park Playscape and SkatePark.