For the 11th year in a row, our West Chester club has donated school supplies to the West Chester Area School District (WCASD). Looking over the donated crayons, colored pencils, scissors, flash cards, dry erasers, composition books and many other school supplies, along with WCASD caseworkers, are Rich Murray, Rotary president, (fourth from left) and Katie Martin ((fifth from the right).
This year, a $1,500 donation on behalf of our club was contributed by three key sponsors, Arthur Hall Insurance, TrustPoint, LLC, and First Resource Bank.
“The partnership between our club and WCASD is a natural pairing because both organizations create the leaders of tomorrow,” said Rich. “Rotary further creates leadership opportunities through programs such as RYLA.” RYLA is an intensive leadership experience for secondary school students organized by local Rotary clubs and/or districts to help students develop skills as leaders while having fun and making connections.
From a list of needs gathered by WCASD caseworkers, supplies are donated and dispersed among the 17 schools in the district through the caseworkers, who work with kindergarten through 12th graders, many of whom would otherwise begin the school year at an educational disadvantage. Donations like these go a long way in helping these families, according to school district personnel.
Previous years donations have been provided by members and proceeds from the club’s Chili Cook-off. This year’s cook-off is scheduled for October 8th. Be sure to put the date on your calendar to help with/attend an event that is fun and provides needed funds for area students and non-profits!