Oregon Rotary Club has applied for and received a District Grant named “Keeping Kids Warm”. This grant and the proceeds from Mark Twain Days will be used to provide coats, snowpants and boots for children and families through a partnership with the Oregon Elementary Schools. In addition to purchasing new items with funds provided, we will be collecting “gently used” items to distribute as needed. Gently used coats, snowpants, boots, hats, gloves, etc may be dropped off at the Elementary School. The Rotary Club will have a booth at the Oregon Coliseum during the Candlelight Walk on November 27th and items may also be dropped off at that location. Tax deductible donations of cash are also appreciated and can be sent to the Oregon Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 493, Oregon, IL 61061. If you have questions about this program please contact Mary Jo Griffin at 815-734-6937. Check back here for pictures and updates.
Thank you to Seth McCanse, Scott Stephens, Mike and Mary Mudge, Don and Mary Jo Griffin, and Stan Eden for their help with the Rotary Booth at Candlelight Walk! Keeping Kids Warm and Scenescapes were displayed.
On December 9th, 2010, as the snow began to fall, Len Gowers, Sue Miatke, Tom Stone, Don Griffin and Mary Jo Griffin delivered 3 car loads of coats, boots and snow pants to the Oregon Elementary School. In the end, 121 pair of boots, 102 pair of snow pants, and 74 coats were purchased for children and families in the Oregon Community by the Oregon Rotary Club. Additional coats and snow pants included in this delivery were donated by members of the Oregon Rotary Club, families in the community and by the Ashton Lions Club. Thank you to the Paynes Point Church for purchasing and delivering 29 additional coats. Thank you to the Oregon VFW Ladies Auxiliary for their $500 donation to the School for this project. Thank you also to the members of the community who made donations of cash or gently used clothing for this project.
This project, Keeping Kids Warm, began with a Grant from Rotary District 6420 for $1700. The Oregon Rotary Club designated the proceeds from their Mark Twain Day Fundraiser held in September. The Rotary Club partnered with the Elementary Schools to administer this project. A total of 65+ families were provided with coats, boots, and/or snow pants for 1-4 family members. Thank you to all of the school personnel who worked alongside of the Rotary Club. This project is truly about making sure that these families have a way to stay warm outdoors throughout the winter.
Gently used warm winter clothing and accessories of all sizes may continue to be donated at the Elementary School Offices, Angel Treasures, or other organizations that help provide for those who need these items.
