Rotary Club coordinates help, coats, for Shenandoah kids
WOODSTOCK, VA – November 24, 2009 – New coats and jackets have been provided to 180 children in the local area by the Rotary Club of Woodstock. Kids got to choose their own outerwear from the stock at the local Wal-Mart. The number of coats distributed this year exceeds all previous years.
“This is an indication of how seriously the need has increased during this time of recession,” stated Cindy Soltis, chairperson of the event.
To raise money for the coats, a bowl-a-thon was held in October at Mountain View Lanes in Woodstock. Owner Frank Miroballi donated lanes so there was no cost whatever for this event. Each team was challenged to collect $100 per player, or $500 for the team. Chair of the event was Jeff Aimonetti of Aimonetti Insurance in Woodstock.
This is the seventh year that the Coats for Kids project has been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Woodstock. It was initially introduced when Shenandoah Community Foundation Executive Director Cindy Soltis of Woodstock was president of the club. She has headed the effort each year since.
Certificates for the coats and jackets were distributed through Shenandoah County Social Services, Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter, and Response, Inc..
Soltis reported that this year, more than $6,000 was raised for the project. This was supplemented by a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart. More than twenty Rotarians manned registers at Wal-Mart where certificates were exchanged for coats.
The Rotary Club of Woodstock will also participate in the Woodstock Christmas Parade in early December. With their children and grandchildren, Rotarians will ride into town with Santa Claus on an antique fire engine, distributing candy and treats along the way.
Rotary sponsors and contributes to community-based projects year-round to support its mission, “Service Above Self.” Club President this year is Michael Monahan, an Internet professor and resident of Basye.
For information on membership in the Rotary Club of Woodstock, visit the club website.
