Though the pandemic has brought anxiety and grief, it has also surfaced opportunities for Rotary to evolve. Food banks, homelessness initiatives, and other community organizations are in desperate need of philanthropy, from volunteer support to monetary donations.
Physical distancing recommendations are a necessary public health measure that must be respected. But the restrictions do not mean we can’t continue to help. We must simply get creative and remain flexible:
Our motto, Service Above Self, perhaps has never been more suited to the times than it is today. How will you safely serve your community?
Iowa Food Banks to Receive Rotary COVID-19 Relief Funds
In April, District 5970 presented the Iowa Food Bank Association a check for $22,000 to combat food insecurity in Iowa.
These funds were part of a $25,000 Disaster Response Grant from The Rotary International Foundation. District 5970 was one of 40 districts worldwide to apply for and receive the grant (there are 535 Districts in the world).
There are 51 clubs in District 5970, and each could apply for $1,000 to support COVID-19 needs in their communities. To date, 24 clubs have chosen to send funding to Iowa Food Banks in their communities. The District opted to send the funds through the Iowa Food Bank Association to streamline reporting and distribution of the funds.