August 15
th was a beautiful day to set up at Sav A Lot in LeRoy for our Backpack and Knights Closet collection day. Last year Past President Mary Young asked the board
to come up with a project of community service. After giving it some thought, Rotarian Martha Bailey took the lead on the Backpack collection. Last year it was Backpack only, but this year Knights Closet was added as a beneficiary.
Within our own community, we have children that are hungry on the weekends. The LeRoy school system realized this and came up with the plan of children taking home backpacks full of non-perishable items in a backpack while understanding that there are more children at home that are also in need. The First Baptist Church and Wolcott Street School work together to supply and pack up the items. As a matter of course, ongoing donations are needed. This event provided the community with the opportunity to give to a worthwhile cause. At the same time, we collected for Knights Closet. This is in high school and allows students to take home personal care items that may not be available at home.
The local LeRoy Sav A Lot Store sold $3 and $5 “bags” in advance. This gave the event exposure and a head start on the collection of items. On Saturday, August 15th, we set our tent up in the parking lot, put out signage, and started collecting. People brought products or donated money. As money was donated, more items were purchased.
The day was a big success. The backpack program has a great head start for the school year. Their shelves were becoming bare and this boost was greatly needed.
As for Knights Closet, their products have also been restored. Any student is welcome to use Knights Closet. It is an indiscreet way for students to take care of their personal care needs without stigma.
This is a worthwhile project of pure giving, with Rotary taking the lead to help the community get involved to help our children. No child should be hungry or ashamed. When these same children become adults, they will shape the future of our community. Any ray of hope or display of caring will go a long way in shaping these children’s lives.
It takes a Village.
