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Holidays can be especially difficult for the most vulnerable in our community. That knowledge is what prompted Donna Hammp, Secretary of the Zane State/Ohio University Zanesville Rotaract Chapter to come up with a plan to try to bring Easter to Avondale. Rotaract, the college branch of Rotary, is affiliated with Daybreak Rotary. Their motto is Peace through Service. Their 18 members actively work with organizations like Eastside Ministry, Habitat for Humanity and Bethel Community Center to serve and strengthen our community.
In November, the club met to discuss what kind of projects they could execute amidst the pandemic. After realizing their common interest in helping area children in the foster care system, they agreed to try to make Easter special for the kids spending the holiday at Avondale. They raffled Christmas baskets to raise money for the project, and invited Melissa Wood, from Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services to present at a meeting. Ms. Wood explained that Avondale’s purpose is to serve children who have been separated from their families for a wide variety of reasons. As a former child in the foster system, Ms. Wood delivered a moving and unique presentation to the Rotaractors. She explained how important it is to really see the kids for who they are.
When club advisor, Heather Shepherd, informed the Daybreak Rotary of the project, the reaction was overwhelming. Guest speaker Jimmy Lepi, owner of Dresden and Company in Dresden, Ohio immediately volunteered to provide the baskets for the project. He stated that this kind of community-centric falls exactly in line with the mission of his newly founded company. Dresden and Company will donate eighteen of their custom-made Easter baskets so that the kids will have a keepsake for their entire lives. In addition, the Daybreak Rotarians donated $225 to help the Rotaractors fill the baskets and eggs for Easter. Rotaractors will hide the eggs on Easter morning for the kids.
The Zane State/OUZ Rotaract Club continues to find meaningful ways to serve and connect with the community. If you are interested in joining the Zane State/OUZ Rotaract club, please email hshepherd@zanestate.edu.
