Maggie de Block
Fighting hunger, increasing literacy, helping homeless veterans, caring for our community. SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary members were busy volunteering this year with our service projects, which ranged from the Mammoth Food Bank to increasing literacy in the Southern Copper Corridor.
Our work began on Jan. 6 at the Mammoth Food Bank, where we unloaded and distributed goods from the government truck twice a month. Once a month, we also load up the Mammoth Food Bank van at Bashas’ and distribute the food at the Mammoth Food Bank. On occasion, we do use our own vehicles to transport food to Mammoth. We have become a vital part of the Mammoth Food Bank’s operations and were recognized as a Community Partner.
Another task started in January to fill and maintain three Little Free Libraries in Mammoth, San Manuel, and Hayden. In September, a fourth Little Free Library was dedicated in Oracle. Once a month, we visit the Pima Library to select books for our Little Free Libraries. We spend time sorting, cleaning, and categorizing these newly acquired books to fill our libraries.
In June, we started a new service project, 51 Homes Vets, by helping the coordinator for the city of Tucson to furnish one-bedroom apartments for homeless veterans in Tucson. Our tasks consisted of repairing small furniture, organizing the warehouse, and picking up donations. We wrote a matching grant to furnish 11 mattresses and frames for the 51 Homes Vets apartments.
September was our fundraiser, the I Don’t Want It Sale. Our members brought their collection of goods that we sold, with the profits going to the 51 Homes Vets project.
Throughout the year, we perform various tasks during the Golden Goose’s third Friday of the month Moonlight Madness sale.
To end this year, we volunteered and managed Aid Station 13 for the Tucson Marathon. At the start of the race, it was very cold, but by mid-morning, it was pleasant. We even had a visit from Santa.
These activities may appear to be a lot of work, but fun is integral to our volunteering. After completing our work, we explore new eating places to unwind and share lives. We also have monthly socials just to enjoy each other’s company. If these activities appeal to you, give Maggie de Block a call at 520-818-7835. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.” We add to that motto, “Let’s make it fun!” From all of us in SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club, happy holidays.