by Ingrid Nova | Feb 7, 2015 | Community Service Ongoing, Events, Foundation and Fund Raising
The East Lansing Rotary Club is proud to be a supporter of the Weekend Survival Kits program. Now in its’ fifth year of operation, the Weekend Survival Kits program helps feed needy children in our area (most of whom receive free, or reduced-price meals at school) by providing them with a two-gallon bag filled with nutritional food every other Friday during the school year. A typical Weekend Survival Kit includes: pre-portioned crackers, soup, 100% fruit juice, pudding cups, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, pasta with protein, peanut butter, granola bars, fruit cups in plastic containers, single serve cereal boxes, fruit chews and oatmeal packets. Each “kit” is packed with enough food for up to 7 meals and 2 snacks to help feed a hungry child.
Participating Schools in Weekend Survival Kits Program
Last year (2013-14 school year), 26 different schools in nine different school districts, plus two other locations (Edgewood Village Network Center and the Parkwood YMCA) participated in the program. Overall 1,883 students were served by the WSK program, up from 1,181 the previous year and nearly 400 more students than the 1,500 student goal set for the 2013-14 school year.
Our goal this year is to reach 2,500 students. Currently, 11 school districts and 33 schools are participating, including: Dansville, Haslett, Holt (Hope), Okemos (Central, Hiawatha, Bennett, Cornell), Lansing (Attwood, Post Oak, REO, Riddle, Willow, North, Gardner, Gier Park), Ingham ISD (Heartwood), DeWitt (Herbison Woods, Schavey Road, Scott), Mason (Alaiedon, Steele, North Aurelius), Waverly, East Lansing (Donley, Pinecrest, Glencairn, Marble) and Williamston (Discovery, Middle School, High School, Explorer, Lil’ Hornets). Other participants include the after-school tutoring program at the Edgewood Village Network Center and the Parkwood YMCA Summer Program.
Community Partners also Supporting Weekend Survival Kits
Started by the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club, the Weekend Survival Kits program continues to grow. Community partners currently include: Rotary Clubs in East Lansing, Haslett-Okemos and Delta-Waverly; Kiwanis Clubs in East Lansing, Okemos and Williamston; Mason Optimist Club; Jackson National Life, Kohl’s, East Lansing Masonic Lodge #480; Okemos Community Church; St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Haslett, the Joe D. Pentecost Foundation, and the R.E. Olds Foundation.
In 2013, the Many Hands Foundation became the fiduciary agent for the Weekend Survival Kits program and now coordinates the program’s food ordering, packing sessions and food kit deliveries.
Help close the food insecurity gap in our communities by voting in
the U Club’s “Big Bang-Quet Community Charity Challenge.”
Cast your $5 votes for the Weekend Survival Kits program
online between February 9 and March 24 at:
www.universityclubofmsu.org/theclubwithaheart
by Ingrid Nova | Sep 30, 2014 | New Members
David McNeilly recently introduced himself to the club in a new member talk. He spoke about his Father, who was a strong influence in his life, his wife who has supported him and the announcement that a new McNeilly is on the way! David is a Financial Adviser with Northwestern Mutual Insurance.
by Ingrid Nova | Sep 30, 2014 | New Members
Welcome to Kyle Cooper who is the newest member of the East Lansing Rotary Club. Kyle is a Financial Adviser with Financial Strategies Group in Okemos, MI. His sponsor is Dennis Rosenbrook. He lives in Lansing and will be a great asset to the club. If you have not met Kyle yet, please take the time to introduce yourself and get to know him.
by Ingrid Nova | Sep 26, 2014 | Events, Foundation and Fund Raising
The East Lansing Rotary Foundation will be hosting a Mud and Suds fundraiser on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 to benefit the Weekend Survival Kits program which provides food for hungry elementary school children across Ingham County. The “Mud and Suds fundraiser will be held at East Lansing’s Scene Metrospace (110 Charles St.) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and feature a special pottery demonstration by Jon Whitney, craft beers and savory hors de oeuvres. Pottery created by local artists will also be displayed and for sale at the event. Tickets are $50 per person and are available for purchase online at www.manyhandsmi.org
Started to Meet a Real Need
The Weekend Survival Kits (WSK) program was started five years ago to help meet the nutritional needs of mid-Michigan’s elementary school students, specifically on the weekends. The WSK program is focused on helping feed children – especially those who receive a free or reduced-price breakfast or lunch at school – by providing them with a “food pack” filled with nutritional food every other Friday during the school year. Food for the kits is acquired through the Greater Lansing Food Bank’s network, which means that $1 has the power to buy an equivalent of $10 of food at retail value. Each food “kit” costs about $5, and $100 sponsors one child for an entire school year. Last year (2013-14) the WSK program served over 1,800 elementary school children in Ingham County.
Program is Growing
As might be expected, the WSK program continues to grow as more families and schools learn about and join the program. As the program grows and the number of students served increases, the need for food, funds and volunteers increases as well. More information about the Weekend Survival Kits program and how you can help can be found at www.manyhandsmi.org or www.facebook.com/manyhandsmi. Contributions are always welcome and can be mailed directly to: Many Hands Foundation, 1288 W. Grand River Ave., Suite 400, Williamston, MI 48895. Many Hands in a 501 © 3, non-profit organization and serves as the fiduciary agent for the Weekend survival Kits program.
by Ingrid Nova | Sep 14, 2014 | Events, Notable News for Members, President's Message
On September 11, 2014 East Lansing Rotarian, Dr. John Dunn passed away after a brief illness. In his obituary was included the following words from John:
“I have had time to reflect about my life, a member of a large loving family, with each addition bringing joy in his or her own way. I can smile as I hear: “remember grandpa’s rule ‘always be nice!'” Adding friends over the years just made my life more meaningful and joyful.
Yet my main memory is of Judy slipping her hand into mine some 51 years ago. She never let go. As a completely special and unique lady, and my true love, I was able to travel life well. I thanked her after, as I do now, for the care of our family, friends and especially me.
I enjoyed studying many things; especially medicine. Saying the phrase “May I help you?” was important to me. I tried to help family, friends, residents, staff, patients and especially Judy. I especially enjoyed teaching struggling second graders.
For my last lesson, I ask the reader, today, to take out a clean sheet of paper. Carefully print “Now!” on it. Please date and sign it. From time to time take it out and reflect about your note. If there is a “Now!” in your life please consider doing it. It’s sad for me to know I must leave, especially to leave my love, Judy. I am going to “another home”, with my LORD’s support. I trust I will travel well. -John S. Dunn, M.D. ”
The members of the East Lansing Rotary Club extend their deepest sympathy to the Dunn family.
