The Rotary Club of The Villages Evening has been reaching out to help those in the area.
Last week, Club President Tim Treat and member Sue Bodenner delivered a $1,000 donation to St. Theresa’s Social Services in Belleview.
The past two school years, club members have been volunteering in a variety of ways to help the students and teachers of Harbour View Elementary School in Summerfield.
When schools went to virtual learning, there did not seem to be a way to help with all the barriers needed to avoid COVID-19.
“Our pantry serves families in Summerfield and that includes Harbour View Elementary School. The club’s donation is an unexpected and welcome surprise and we look forward to collaborating with the Evening Rotary Club in the future,” said Mary Ann Gricar, assistant director.
The pantry serves about 50 families each day and the Soup Kitchen serves approximately 180-200 every day of the week. It is open Sundays, a rare meal service.
The Christian Food Pantry in Lady Lake also received a $1,000 check. Carrol Neal, director of the pantry, noted that it has received support several times over the years from Rotary Club of The Villages Evening. The pantry is currently serving more than 300 families.
LovExtension, Lake & Sumter Co. will be the recipient of another $1,000 to continue helping with the food needs of homebound seniors. The club members have several years of packing the red food bags that are delivered and providing social time.
“Our clients are the most vulnerable to the virus and makes grocery shopping a serious risk for them,” said Director Linda Rupski.
The Rotary Club also has provided $800 to Project Las Americas. Several members of The Villages Evening club have visited Rotary projects around Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Rotarians there are helping Project Las Americas with food distribution to 350 families. They are in their fifth week of delivering two-week food baskets.
