Service above Self is one of the mottos of Rotary and The Rotary Club of Woodstock embodies this through its deep support of the Woodstock community. Some of the many ways the club and its members serve the community are:
Fueling Futures
Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for students and their families at Woodstock High School. Hunger can cause many physical health problems. It can also shorten a child’s attention span, lower IQ and keep them from making good grades.
Through its partnership with the high school and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the club provides a backpack and shelf stable food for a family of 4 to last the weekend supplemented with fresh fruit, dairy, and vegetables.
Statistics from BIB site:
- 78% feel cared for by their community
- 71% feel they are helping their family
- 60% exhibit improved behavior
- 59% find it easier to learn at school
Rotary Triangle
Partnering with the City of Woodstock, the Club maintains Rotary Triangle Park, with its “Welcome to Woodstock” sign. Three times a year, the Rotary Club of Woodstock provides the upkeep by trimming bushes, weeding and putting down fresh mulch. The park is at the intersection of Newell, Madison and Rt. 120
Operation Warm
In the fall, the Club participates in the nationwide effort Operation Warm. Through a partnership with Woodstock School District 200, the Club purchases and donates coats and new shoes. The clothes are housed at the District elementary schools to be given out to the children as the staff see the need.
Grants
Using a competitive process, the Rotary Club of Woodstock offers annual grants to nonprofits. The club donates thousands of dollars in grant funds to selected local organizations. In 2020, we gave over $11,000, to local non-profits serving our friends and neighbors in Woodstock.
For more information on the our community service work or the grant program click here.