Rotary’s Christmas story
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
The Putnam Rotary Club, focused this year helping the less fortunate, raised funds and then executed a massive gift bag program to help several groups that have the same calling.
Putnam Rotary Club President Kathy Kirk’s “Boots on the Ground” program took months of planning, research and work by Rotarians.
She said: “This year, the Putnam Rotary Club felt it was important for our club to move beyond fund-raising alone, and become more personally engaged with the people we serve. Our “Boots on the Ground” initiative reflects our passion for hands-on service and meaningful connection within our communities. Through this effort, we plan to focus our time and energy on supporting local veterans, seniors, individuals facing mental health, challenges, and those experiencing homeless. Last week, the members came together to pack 175 bags filled with clothing and personal necessities for four local homeless agencies and the mental health department at Day Kimball Hospital. This project was a powerful first step in our Boots on the Ground initiative and reflects our deep commitment and passion for serving those facing homelessness and mental health challenges with dignity and compassion.”
The club’s service area covers Putnam, Thompson, Woodstock, Pomfret and Eastford.
The club members gathered last week and had a gift bag assembly line. Rotarians divided themselves into production lines and deftly put all the bags together. The bags were then delivered to the groups who serve those who need help.
The Day Kimball Inpatient and Outpatient Behavioral Health department received 60 bags that contained: Tissue packs, comb combos, journal/pen, colored pencils, crayons, stress relievers and coloring books.
Access Agency received 60 gift bags with hats, toothpaste kits, hand warmers, socks and lip balm. They are to be used at two homeless shelters that the agency helps.
The 40 Living Faith United Methodist Church homeless men gift bags contained: Underwear, soap, hand warmers, toe warmers, toothbrush/toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, jerky or Slim Jims and granola bars.
The 16 Eastford Food Pantry gift bags contained: Mac and cheese, granola bar, oatmeal, fruit cup and tuna.
Rotarians finished each bag with a beautifully wrapped cookie.
.