Rotary Club of Laurens providing help to SC Empowerment Center
LAURENS – When Hurricane Helene impacted Laurens County last year, it caused widespread damage and left many in need. One of those needs was that of food, which led to local area food banks to have their supplies drained and in some cases depleted.
In a direct response to meet this need head on, The Rotary Club of Laurens was awarded a $2,500 grant with one goal in mind, to help a local food bank.
The Rotary Club of Laurens is a part of District 7750 (made up of 49 clubs), in turn District 7750 is a part of Zone 33 (made up of 907 clubs). The grant was given to the local club by Zone 33, according to Kimberly Kitchens, assistant district governor for Area 10.
The decision was made to give the funds to the SC Empowerment Centre, a local area food bank that the Rotary Club of Laurens has partnered with for several years.
“The Rotary Club of Laurens has continuously supported the SC Empowerment Centre with monetary donations,” Kitchens said.
The Rotary Club of Laurens will be taking this help one step further, by conducting a food drive May 3 through May 16, and providing volunteers to assist the food pantry.
“Service above self is a core principle and motto of Rotary, and we want to do more to help the SC Empowerment Centre and the Laurens County community,” Kitchens said.
Club members will help to stock, package and distribute donations. SC Empowerment Centre estimates this grant and food drive will help 200 families within the community.
Anyone interested in donating to the food drive can drop off donations to the LSSD 55 Office , 301 Hillcrest Drive, Laurens, Monday through Friday during 8 – 4. Preferred donations include: peanut butter & jelly, canned ravioli, instant GRITS packets, canned spaghettios, canned fruits, canned beanee weenees, spaghetti sauce & spaghetti noodles & boxed mac & cheese. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
“The Rotary Club of Laurens is happy to work together and try to replenish the stocks of the SC Empowerment. By working together, we know we can make a difference,” Kitchens said.
