Warren Rotary Club Gives Back
Service Above Self – that’s the Warren Rotary Club’s motto.
From donning “I’m a volunteer bellringer” aprons during The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle fundraising campaign to beautifying The Salvation Army Warren Corps Community Center campus, the 20-member group has been giving back to nonprofit for nearly 30 years. And The Salvation Army Warren Corps has been blessed to receive such amazing support.
Every year, Warren Rotary Club members donate their time and talent as volunteer bellringers to help raise money for The Salvation Army. According to Rotary Club members, this is the Club’s favorite time of year. Collectively, the organization has raised nearly $40,000 to help support the corps’ local programs and services offered to Warren and surrounding community residents.
Since 2015, the Club has also donated hundreds of gifts that are distributed at the corps’ Christmas toy shops which allow parents to pick out gifts for their children, as well as receive a Bountiful Box filled with nonperishable food items to create a holiday meal for their family. Additionally, members have generously volunteered their time at the toy shops…ultimately, giving families a very merry Christmas.
The Rotary Club’s service to the Warren Corps isn’t limited to Red Kettle-related volunteer work.
In 2019, the Club planted 10 trees surrounding the Warren Corps – helping the environment and giving all those who visit The Salvation Army something beautiful to look at.
Last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Club members helped load food boxes into cars of families in need.
The Club also works with local high schools to coordinate donation drives benefitting The Salvation Army Warren Corps. For example, students from Bishop Foley High School in Madison Heights and Warren Woods Tower High School in Warren recently collected toiletries and personal hygiene items for the Warren MATTS shelter residents.
“Small gestures can make a world of difference to someone in need,” says Karen Joyce, Warren Rotary Club president. “If our Club members can impact just a few people in our community, then we’re doing our job of putting service over self.”
April 2021 is Volunteer Month. All month long, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division recognizes, celebrates and thanks its incredible volunteers for their commitment, dedication and support to help Do The Most Good.