About The Lynnwood Rotary Club:
An organization that is based upon the philosophy of “service above self” has a great potential to effect positive changes within its community. When that organization has been around for more than fifty years the number of good deeds can be significant.
The Rotary Club of Lynnwood was founded in 1955 with 33 members. Today the club has over 130 members and is the fourth largest club in Washington. As Rotary clubs go, Lynnwood is part of an elite group of World Class Clubs according to Rotary International.
The Rotary Club of Lynnwood has done it all to raise funds for those in need - everything from selling oranges to its Hi-5 5K and 10K fun run. There have also been thousands of hours of volunteer participation, awards of honor presented to local fire and police, vocational honors, and student-of-the-month honors bestowed to many.
The club also awards scholarships, sponsors students from third-world countries, and each year presents the Kathy O'Conner award for exemplary service.
On an international level, the Rotary Club of Lynnwood is one of 32,000 clubs around the world who have been working together to eradicate Polio in the world and provide clean water to those who do not have access.
Ongoing Rotary Club of Lynnwood Projects:
House Construction Project: Under the guidance of Edmonds School District vocational carpentry instructors and Rotarians in-the-trade, students have the opportunity to build a house during the school year. The homes are built using materials provided by the club or donated. The land is also purchased by the Rotary Club of Lynnwood and each house is completed by May and put up for sale. To date over 4,000 students have built 32 homes.
Lynnwood Rotary Center: An idea in 1992 that became a residence for low income seniors in 1997, the Rotary Retirement Center has provided safe and affordable housing for 312 seniors, as well as providing a quality place to live. The project required perseverance on the part of those Rotarians who had the vision to make it a reality. But persistence paid off and the residence located on 196th is a testament to what can happen when people work together.
Community Service: At the heart of any Rotary Club, community service for the Rotary Club of Lynnwood has taken many forms. It might be a work party at the local food bank, an honor for an exceptional student, or one of the many countless contributions or grants provided by the club.
Vocational Service: Throughout the Rotary Club of Lynnwood’s history educational concerns have taken a front seat. From hosting career fairs to an ethics program that is presented in area classrooms the club has brought educators and local business together in a variety of ways.
World Community Service: Many members of the Rotary Club of Lynnwood have become world travelers in the name of international service. For example club members helped the Orphans Faith Home in India to establish a fish farm in 1995. The farm is still in operation today, providing funding for over 100 homeless children and managing two schools for more than 600 disadvantaged kids from 62 rural villages. In Kenya the club helped finance and implement yearly screening of hearing for over 5,000 children. Lynnwood Rotarian Bill Morton was there when they found a dead cockroach in the ear of a child. Then there were water wells in Honduras, a literacy program in Brazil, clean water and sanitation for a group of seniors in Thailand, the establishment of a Rotary Club in Kiev, Russia, and a library in Zimbabwe.
Hi-5 Run: One of the ways the club raises funds, Hi-5 is a family fun event featuring a 10K run, 5K run and Kids Dash. The event starts at Alderwood mall and this year will include a health and fitness fair. Along with the races the event provides entertainment and a chance for families to have a great time. The Rotary Club of Lynnwood is currently working to gather sponsorship commitments from the business community for the 2008 event.
“Rotary Club of Lynnwood is wealthy in friendship with each other and together we have accomplished much for our community and throughout the world,” concluded Nicola Smith, president of the Rotary Club of Lynnwood. “Join us for the first annual Rotary Club of Lynnwood Santa Breakfast, have a great time, and help us help those in need during the holidays.”
About Marine Toys For Tots:
Through the gift of a shiny new toy, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season. Sponsor a toy and give a child recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.
This year marks the 60th anniversary for the Toys for Tots tradition of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In 2006, Toys for Tots delivered more than 19.2 million toys to over 7.6 million children. Unfortunately, with over 13 million children living in poverty, Toys for Tots needs help more than ever to achieve their goal of delivering a toy to every child in need.
Help Toys for Tots deliver a toy to every child this holiday season.
About the Lynnwood Food Bank:
The Lynnwood Food Bank is a private nonprofit organization that collects and distributes more than 934,559 pounds of food each year to low-income children, adults and seniors. The food bank currently serves an average of 1040 households (avg. 3,831 individuals) each month. Their mission is to assist people who are hungry in the City of Lynnwood and South Snohomish County by providing a highly efficient food distribution center.
To help the Lynnwood Food Bank:
- Donate any useable food items at the Lynnwood Food Bank from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Call to schedule any other drop off; 425-745-1635.
- Donate cash to buy bulk food items. Checks should be made to the Lynnwood Food Bank.
- Donate non-perishable items at numerous barrels located at neighborhood stores:
Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th SW, Lynnwood
Virginia Mason, 19116 33rd Ave W, Lynnwood
Windermere Real Estate, 19031 33rd Ave W, Lynnwood
QFC, Hwy 99 & 176th St SW
- The South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce is collecting food donations for the Lynnwood Food Bank through Dec. 20 at its offices at 3815 196th St. SW, Suite 136, Lynnwood.
Get involved in your community by assisting at the Lynnwood Food Bank. Direct Lynnwood citizens needing food assistance to the food bank.
Donate money regularly so the food bank can buy necessary food items to supplement what is collected.
Volunteer a minimum of 3 hours a week as reliably as possible.
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