To our fellow Rotarians,
As we approach the time to begin organizing our annual Shoe Box project, things have changed.
For the past 12 years our club has been most generous in supporting this important initiative. We have shopped, filled and sent 50 shoeboxes and 15 layette bags each August to help people who really need help—the Children of the Dump in Chinandega, Nicaragua. Our members have reached into their purses and billfolds and contributed well over $1,200 each year to buy clothes, school supplies, toiletries and toys to make Christmas a little brighter for these children who live in extreme poverty.
We have heard from the organizers, who are proceeding with the project despite concerns about the coronavirus. However, we have decided that it is not a good idea to participate this year.
There are three critical issues. One is that it will be difficult to raise the money without in-person meetings to “pass the box.” Secondly, shopping for the items would be difficult and probably not safe. Sue usually makes about 40 trips to stores, and Mary Beth makes at least 10 trips. Much of our success is due to Sue’s shopping prowess, and we have determined that we could not find bargains online. Finally, storing the items and organizing a packing party would be difficult under the current conditions.
So, we have decided to skip our participation this year. We hope to ramp up again next year. Again, thank you to all our Rotarians for supporting this project.
Yours in Rotary
Mary Beth Harper and Sue Hetrick
