The Evening Rotarians have been busy spreading cheer and canned goods across the county, with food drives and donations aimed at making the holidays a little brighter for local families and seniors.
At East Marion Elementary, Rotarians recently collected pop-top cans of soup to stock the school’s newly designated Second Harvest food pantry. The pantry serves all 650 students, who live in the Ocala National Forest area. The club also assembled Thanksgiving food bags for 30 families, ensuring a hearty holiday meal during the school break. Funds were used to keep the pantry shelves stocked with essentials like shelf-stable milk.
Meanwhile, in Ocklawaha, the Community of Gratitude Food Pantry received a boost with a $500 donation presented by Rich and Kate Tapia of the Village of Tierra del Sol South. The contribution was backed by a fall food drive that gathered over 500 pounds of canned goods, furthering the pantry’s mission to support local families in need.
Not stopping there, the Rotarians also extended support to the LovExtension Food Pantry, which serves homebound seniors and handicapped clients. President Rich Tapia and fellow Rotarians presented a $1,500 donation to Director Linfa Rupski. Each month, club members pack between 175 and 200 food bags tailored to the nutritional needs of clients. Since 2015, they’ve packed over 20,000 bags — a testament to their long-term commitment. Gay Davidson, who coordinates the club’s efforts with LovExtension, ensures that the operation runs smoothly.
From food drives to check presentations, the Evening Rotarians continue to serve as a steady force for good, ensuring no one in Marion County goes hungry this season.
The Rotarians continued their community outreach by supporting the LovExtension Food Pantry, which provides meals for homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities. President Rich Tapia, joined by fellow club members, presented a $1,500 donation to Director Linfa Rupski to aid in their mission. Every month, the club packs 175 to 200 food bags customized to meet the specific nutritional needs of each client. Since 2015, they’ve prepared over 20,000 bags, reflecting their ongoing dedication to service. Gay Davidson oversees the club’s involvement with LovExtension, ensuring the project stays organized and effective.
Rotarians at East Marion Elementary recently gathered pop-top cans of soup to help fill the shelves of the school’s newly established Second Harvest food pantry. Serving all 650 students living in the Ocala National Forest area, the pantry ensures access to essential food items. To make the holiday break brighter, the club also prepared Thanksgiving meal bags for 30 families, while additional funds helped supply staples like shelf-stable milk to keep the pantry well-stocked.
Pictured above, Rich and Kate Tapia, from the Village of Tierra del Sol South, recently presented a $500 donation to Sharon Brewer Davis of the Community of Gratitude Food Pantry in Ocklawaha. The Rotarians also donated over 500 pounds of canned goods collected during their food drive. Staff and volunteers gather to celebrate the contribution.
