The COVID-19 virus has altered life for everyone and many local residents have found they are unable to provide basic needs for themselves and their familes. Area nonprofits have stepped up and are working to meet the surge in demand. The need is great with the increase in demand coupled with the loss of several nonprofits’ main revenue stream — thrift stores. These organizations are struggling.
The four Rotary Clubs in the Santa Ynez Valley — Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang — have come 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 homebound seniors and children out of school. Not only prepared meals are being provided, but help getting medications delivered, sewn masks and other needs.
Local nonprofits are collaborating to be sure there is no gap in service to the community.
Ten nonprofits that 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 and Girls Club.
Rotary believes in the motto 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 some 35,000 clubs in 200 countries. In the Santa Ynez Valley, there are 100 Rotary Club members in four clubs. The clubs are part of Rotary District 5240. For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.rotarydistrict5240.org.