Rochester Rotary, Rochester Lions, Rochester Hills Lions, and the Rochester Kiwanis Clubs are working together to celebrate and give back to the community with a joint service event held September 11-17. The project will focus on collecting new underwear, socks, diapers, and pajamas for children in the foster care system."Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our two service organizations, who share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change," said Rotary President Tim Duncan.
Kiwanis President Chuck Bissell said, "We looked around for a project that would serve children in particular and decided to focus on foster children this year."
Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose parents cannot take care of them and whose need for care has come to the attention of child welfare agency staff. While in foster care, children may live with relatives, with foster families, or in group facilities. Over 13,500 children in Michigan are fostered.
Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenias 3rd Street Hair Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from September 11 through September 17.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer business leaders dedicated to improving lives at local and international levels, from helping those in need in their communities to working toward a polio-free world.
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International clubs and members are dedicated to serving the world's children in 85 nations and geographic areas.
Although the two local clubs are associated with international organizations, the clothing necessities service project is designed to help foster children in Oakland County.