Tidewater Rotary’s Supplies for Service drive a big success

In April, Tidewater Rotary announced it was collecting household supplies for the Neighborhood Service Center as part of the club’s 10-year anniversary. The drive to support Talbot County’s underserved residents was called Supplies for Service, an homage to Rotary International’s motto of Service Above Self.

Businesses, organizations, and Talbot residents were invited to join the drive and the response was astounding. Eighteen Talbot County businesses and organizations joined the effort and helped exceed Tidewater Rotary’s goals and expectations.

Participating organizations invited their employees to collect and donate goods, asked patrons to participate, and gifted monetary donations to support the Neighborhood Service Center directly. Other places around Talbot County volunteered space for drop-boxes to be displayed so individuals that wanted to donate would have a location to drop-off supplies.

“We have always known this community is incredibly generous and this supplies drive once again proved it,” Tidewater Rotary President Lee Newcomb said. “We are so thankful for all the support.”

The effort netted household supplies to fill nearly 100 boxes and over $3,000 in monetary donations. Donated supplies included paper towels, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and many other household essentials.

The Neighborhood Service Center will now deliver the community’s donations to those in need using their “Mobile Food Pantry”. The service provides help to homebound seniors, disabled individuals, and residents living in remote areas of Talbot County without transportations. There are over 120 households currently benefiting from this outreach.

“I am so appreciative of Tidewater Rotary for seeing the need and addressing it to the fullest,” Neighborhood Service Center Executive Director Marilyn Neal said. “These donations from our community and businesses will make a tremendous difference in the lives of some of Talbot County’s most vulnerable citizens.”

Tidewater Rotary sends out a special thank you to all the partners that supported the drive. A list of Supplies for Service participants can be found at www.tidewatereastonrotary.org. The club asks that you support these wonderful community-driven organizations whenever possible.

“On behalf of Tidewater Rotary and the Neighborhood Service Center, we thank the community for helping us celebrate our 10th anniversary and continue to live our motto, Service Above Self,” Lee said.

Tidewater Rotary is composed of professional men and women committed to the Rotary Motto: Service Above Self. The club’s mission is to provide business, professional, and community leaders an opportunity for service to others in order to benefit our community and to promote high ethical standards, fellowship, and goodwill worldwide. Follow the club on Facebook @TidewaterRotary and visit www.tidewatereastonrotary.org to learn more and join.