The Rotary Club of La Mirada has launched a busy schedule of community projects and activities that began this summer and will continue throughout the coming Rotary year, according to newly installed President Yvette Walker.
“Rotary is planning to be very active in La Mirada this year,” Walker said. “Rotary has been visible in many ways in La Mirada since the club was formed in 1957, and we plan to increase our level of activity in the months ahead.”
The club began its Rotary year in July with its annual “safe and sane” fireworks booth, located in the parking lot in front of Stater Bros. Market. The project is Rotary’s largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds helping the organization sponsor numerous programs and activities benefiting local youth and families.
Rotary also sponsored a hot dog booth at La Mirada’s annual Independence Celebration on July 3rd at La Mirada Regional Park. Students from La Mirada High School’s Interact Club, the youth service organization sponsored by La Mirada Rotary, joined Rotarians in operating the booth.
Proceeds from the food booth are used each year to support the Interact Club. Funds raised also help send selected students to a mountain camp to participate in Rotary’s Youth Leadership Training program.
One of Rotary’s largest community service projects will return in early December with the Eileen Wade “Clothes for Kids” shopping event. The annual program honors the memory of Eileen Wade, a longtime Rotarian and La Mirada businesswoman who championed the project for decades. More than 50 La Mirada children will be taken to Marshalls department store at Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes Avenue, where they will shop for warm clothing, jackets and shoes. Following the shopping trip, the children will be treated to a holiday party and luncheon at the La Mirada Activity Center.
Rotary will once again provide scholarships in cooperation with the C. A. Van Dam Family Foundation to a number of graduating La Mirada High School students. Applications for the scholarships are accepted in the spring, with a committee reviewing the submissions. Qualified recipients are announced in May.
The Rotary continues to provide financial support for the Good Sam Pantry food distribution program at Beatitudes of Our Lord Church. As part of that effort, Rotary provides gift certificates that will be distributed by Beatitudes local families in need.
Throughout the year, Rotary works alongside other local organizations in support of a variety of community events and programs. Rotary and Interact Club members from the High School participate in the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunt and we also take part in the annual Memorial Day services honoring local military service members. Rotarians will join area businesses, service organizations and local churches in supporting the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Foster Road Elementary School, as well as participating in community projects sponsored by Love La Mirada.
Rotary International focuses its service efforts on seven major areas: fighting disease; promoting peace; providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene; protecting mothers and children; supporting education; growing local economies; and protecting the environment.
For La Mirada Rotary, those international goals are complemented by a continuing commitment to serving the community.
Individuals interested in learning more about the La Mirada Rotary Club are welcome to attend a meeting. The club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at North Woods Inn, 14305 Firestone Blvd. in La Mirada.
By Tom Robinson
