Rotary District 7870 members wanted to a find a way to respond to COVID-19 and to help people affected by it. As people of action, Rotary District 7870 is comprised of 60 Rotary Clubs in southern New Hampshire and southern Vermont. This is not the first time that they have been involved with disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. In 2011, these Rotarians provided funds to help with the effects of Hurricane Irene’s devastation.
Although Rotary Clubs throughout both state have been donating to local food pantries, it was felt the most efficient way to help with food insecurity was to support the state food banks. The New Hampshire and Vermont Food Banks service over 750 local food banks.
"We are excited to be able to use this $25,000 Disaster Response Grant from the Rotary Foundation to purchase food." said Steve Puderbaugh, incoming District Governor. "Supporting our food banks is vital during this time of uncertainty. It is important to help families meet their basic needs so they do not have to worry where their next meal is coming from. "
Rotary International has already supported Covid -19 efforts across the world by donating over $7 million so far. New Hampshire and Vermont Rotarians feel it is an honor to be a part of a worldwide initiative to give where the needs are most pressing. Rotary is also involved in mobilizing 1 million volunteers through the Volunteer Surge initiative.
The District Rotarians are doing many other local projects in their communities in response to Covid-19. They are currently working on a much larger Global Grant to support local medical workers, first responders and nursing homes with the equipment and supplies they need.