Community Services
Our goal is to enhance the well-being of individuals in our communities while addressing their specific needs.
By utilizing our understanding of local concerns, we identify areas that require attention and employ our collective knowledge and diverse viewpoints to develop effective solutions.
Rotary members actively engage in various initiatives within our community, including meals to the underprivileged, tutoring children, upkeeping parks and playgrounds, and engaging in numerous other endeavors. The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday has been dedicated to community improvement for decades, supporting projects through funds raised in the preceding rotary year.
Incredible effort is invested in discerning projects that will have a substantial influence on the community.
Community Services takes the following under consideration:
- Enhance the well-being of our community members by addressing their needs in areas such as food, shelter, safety, as well as structural and environmental improvements.
- Extend assistance to those facing hardship.
- Enhance educational opportunities for both children and adults.
- Enrich recreational options for our community.
- Upgrade the infrastructure within our community.
- Promote the overall safety of our community.
- Foster collaboration between the club and other community stakeholders.
- Offer hands-on experiences for club members.
- Foster a sense of fellowship within the club while engaging in project activities.
Get directions to one of our pantries below.
Little Food Pantry
Always Open, Always Helping!
The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday has been addressing local food insecurity through its Little Food Pantry Project since early 2021. Initially starting with two pantries, the initiative has expanded to seven locations across Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula. These pantries operate 24/7, providing emergency food and hygiene products without barriers, effectively supplementing existing food bank services.
The project thrives on community contributions and the dedication of Rotarian stewards who regularly stock and maintain the pantries.
Give a Little, Help a Lot!
Recommended items:
- Canned Proteins*
- Canned Soups*
- Kid Friendly Non-Perishables
- Cereal
- Rice & Pasta
- Dish Soap
- Personal Care Items
- Paper Products
- Birthday Supplies
Youth Services
In Youth Services, a diverse array of activities and achievements showcases our strong dedication to community support.
Notable initiatives include our assistance at the Farmers Market, fundraising events, and the organization of the “Race for a Soldier,” where we provided check-in and logistical support. Our ongoing programs, such as Lifting Hearts with Arts and partnerships with the Tacoma Rescue Mission, have made a meaningful difference in the community.
Additional significant activities include food distribution through the Basket Brigade, a canned food drive during the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot, and food drives at Henderson Bay High School, including the Fish Bowl. Our Interact students participated in fundraising efforts for Guatemala and the American Heart Association through the Change for Change Drive.
Special events further highlight the youth group’s commitment to service, including distributing Valentine’s Day cards and gifts, hosting blood drives, organizing clean-up efforts at Wilkinson Farm Park, mentoring at Discovery Elementary, participating in the Night to Shine event at the YMCA, and holding the Denny Wilford Annual Car Wash.
Each year, we also sponsor students to attend a local leadership development program organized by Rotary clubs globally, designed for youth aged 14 to 30, which focuses on fostering leadership skills, personal growth, and community service.
Below are some of the activities and accomplishments in Youth Services:
- Farmers Market Assistance
- Golferitaville Assistance
- Harbor Hounds Assistance
- Race for a Soldier – help with Check-in and end of race
- Halloween FISH Food Drive
- Lifting Hearts with Arts
- Tacoma Rescue Mission
- Basket Brigade – food distribution
- Turkey Trot – canned food collection
- Fish Bowl Food Drive
- TideFest cookie mix sale for TRM and Etta Project
- Trex Plastic Recycling Project
- Henderson Bay High School Annual Luncheon Project
- Guatemala Fundraiser Breakfast
- Change for Change Drive for the American Heart Association
- Henderson Bay High School Valentines Day card/gifts to students/staff
- Henderson Bay High School Blood Drive
- Park Appreciation Day - clean up at Wilkinson Farm Park
- Henderson Bay High School Mentoring at Discovery Elementary
- Night to Shine at the YMCA
- Denny Wilford Annual Car Wash
- RYLA – seven students attended this year.
InternationAl Services
The International Services Committee focuses on promoting global understanding and goodwill through humanitarian aid and service projects.
Our mission includes supporting initiatives in areas such as clean water, disease prevention, and education, while fostering collaboration with other clubs and organizations worldwide.
International Services supports the following projects:
- Etta Projects has been operating in Eastern Bolivia since 2003, focusing on community health initiatives. With 20 years of experience, the organization trains Community Health Promoters to provide essential medical services, including life-saving procedures, childbirth assistance, and wound suturing. They also educate their communities on disease prevention, family planning, nutrition, hygiene, and overall health. We support them by providing funds and assistance.
- Walk In The Light is committed to enhancing the lives of marginalized communities in Burkina Faso, Africa, by delivering vital services including education, healthcare, and access to clean water. We contribute to this mission by equipping local schools with essential supplies.
- Opal House, Guatemala aims to provide education, healthcare, and clean water to underserved communities. It serves as a base for international volunteer efforts; particularly involving youth, to engage in. Yearly, we send young adults from local high schools to help with various service projects that benefit local residents .
- World Wide Smiles has been actively providing dental care, education, and disease prevention for about 23 years. Currently, World Wide Smiles’ efforts focus on establishing mobile dentistry units in Kampala, Uganda, to enhance in delivering accessible and affordable dental care to underserved and remote communities. The goal is to supplement an existing dental clinic, which our Rotary Club has previously supported by providing dental chairs. The mobile units will also serve as platforms for community education about oral health, offering information on proper dental care practices, nutrition, and the importance of regular check-ups. Our involvement includes organizing volunteer dentists and hygienists and facilitating community outreach to promote preventive care and dental hygiene. We are partnering with local health organizations to improve service effectiveness, run awareness campaigns to educate the public, and monitor the impact of these initiatives over time.
- Corner of Love is an organization focused on providing support and resources to refugee children in Costa Rica; their aim is to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations and promote access to education. We support this effort by providing essential school supplies and backpacks to these children.
- Polio Eradication - Rotary plays a crucial role in the global effort to eradicate polio through its PolioPlus initiative, established in 1985. Rotary clubs around the world have come together to raise funds, promote vaccination, and increase awareness. With the motto, “Together, we can make a world free of polio,” Rotary collaborates with governments and health organizations to immunize millions of children. Our dedication remains steadfast as we strive for a future where every child lives free from polio. Together, we can realize this vision and create a lasting impact on global health.