Archive: Around Town

The Ithaca Rotary Club has been awarded a $2,400 grant from its home Rotary District 7170. The monies are designated for a new "Personal Care and Diaper Drive" program, which will be conducted in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Tompkins and Tioga Counties. Led by Rotarians Jean McPheeters and Mary Berens, this project is an extension of the existing Linen Closet program between Rotary and Catholic Charities. These new grant funds will provide much-needed diapers, toothbrushes and toothpaste to families in need across Tompkins County.

"We came up with this idea because diapers are so expensive and so needed," said McPheeters. "We learned that the average newborn uses 2,950 diapers in the first year of life, at a cost of over $500. And, of the estimated 850 yearly births in Tompkins County, about one fifth of these children are born into families in poverty. That scenario spells 'need' and we want to help."

McPheeters anticipates the grant will help provide about 9,400 diapers, plus oral hygiene products. The Ithaca Rotary Club also plans to create its own Personal Care and Diaper Drive that will aim to collect another 10,600 diapers throughout the Ithaca community. Overall, the club expects to assist approximately 40 Tompkins County families over the course of the grant year.

"After discussing needs with Catholic Charities and doing some research, I was inspired to write the grant application," McPheeters continued. "I am thrilled that the District is willing to provide $2,400 and that our own club will be giving $300, in addition to the effort needed to make this grant a success."

The Rotary Club of Ithaca has more than 175 members. Throughout its history, the club has supported many community needs through hands-on projects, and raises funds for community grants, scholarships, youth programs, and the Rotary Student Exchange Program.

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