Staff Report
With the COVID-19 virus altering life the community, many residents have found themselves unable to provide basic needs for themselves and their family. In turn, local nonprofits have stepped up and are working hard to meet the huge surge in demand, but with the loss of many nonprofits main revenue stream – thrift stores – many of these organizations are also struggling.
However, the four Rotary Clubs in the Santa Ynez Valley – Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang – have united together contributing a total of $33,500 to local nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits selected are doing outreach in the community, feeding hundreds of people daily with prepared meals and produce bags. These include home bound seniors and children out of school. These organizations also help getting medications delivered, sewn masks and other needs.
Ten nonprofits received funding are Atterdag at Home, Bethania Lutheran Church, Buellton Senior Center, Los Alamos Senior Center, Ranch Church, Recovery Outreach, Solvang School PTO, Solvang Senior Center, SYV People Helping People and United Boys & Girls Club.
Rotary believes in the adage of “Service Above Self.” Every Rotary Club has 5 Avenues of Service where they are tasked with serving their community as well as helping with International projects. The power of Rotary is profound with its commitment to eradicating polio around the world.
Rotary International has grown to 1.2 million members comprised of professional and business leaders in over 35,000 clubs in 200 countries. In the Santa Ynez Valley, there are 100 Rotary Club members in four clubs; Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang. These clubs are part of Rotary District 5240. For more information or to learn how to get involved, go to the district website: www.rotarydistrict5240.org
