Staff Report
During the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing season, several Santa Ynez Valley Club Rotarians helped make a difference between an empty kettle and one that raises about $30 per hour – enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries or an individual with shelter for a night.
Rotary members from the Santa Ynez Valley club spent several days on the corner of Copenhagen and Alisal ringing the bell to collect donations.
“I saw a big difference this year with the amount of people donating and those given dollar bills versus loose change. The kettle was so full with money that we had to keep pushing the bills down to make room for more donations,” said club member Jon Martino.
Santa Ynez Valley Rotary members also provide Santa’s Sleigh, which takes Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the valley visiting children and giving out candy. They also produce the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration and the annual high school architectural competition.
Rotary members throughout the world contribute their time, energy and passion to carry out projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, help mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies.
Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985 and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Visit syvrotary.org for more information about Rotary, meeting times and how to join.
