The first restaurant gift cards, expressing Rotary’s appreciation for frontline workers during the pandemic, were delivered to the Park Rapids Police Department June 23. On hand were (from left) Rotarians Lu Ann Hurd-Lof and Zachary Johnson, officer Kelli Seitz, Police Chief Jeff Appel and officer Rob Gilmore.
Rotarians of Dist. 5580 designated $63,000 to go to those with the most urgent need as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Dist. 5580 covers an area from Williston, ND to Nipigon, ONT, Canada and includes 65 Rotary clubs. Each club was given the opportunity to receive a $1,000 grant upon application with their intentions.
“We felt that, as Rotarians, we need to help as quickly as we can and a monetary infusion could enhance what our clubs are already doing.” District Governor Rick Bricker said, “We are feeling the effects as citizens and as an organization, but living our ‘Service above self’ motto made this right.
The Park Rapids Rotary Club added $2,200 to the Rotary District’s $1,000 and used the money to purchase $100 gift cards from 16 Park Rapids restaurants. The gift cards were then divided among the following 10 employers to use to honor their front line workers:
Park Rapids Police Department, Park Rapids Fire Department, Park Rapids Post Office, North Memorial Ambulance Service, Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, Coborn’s, Hugo’s Family Marketplace, Walmart, L&M Supply and Cwikla Ace Hardware.
In addition the club donated $1,000 to the Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC), $1,500 to Heartland Homes and $1,000 to CHI St. Joseph’s Health.
The DAC experienced great financial hardship due to the pandemic as facilities closed and cut off their sources of revenue. The donation helped offset the cost of a new bus with room for eight passengers and three wheelchairs.
Due to COVID-19, Heartland Homes had to isolate its 52 clients and purchased tablets so clients and parents/guardians can see and speak with their loved ones. The tablets will be used after the pandemic is over to continue to connect guardians/families who live all over the United States.
The donation to CHI St. Joseph’s Health was used to assist efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic support staff and caregiver resilience.
For more information about Rotary Dist. 5580, go to rotary5580.org or Facebook at Rotary District 5580. Learn more about the Park Rapids Club at parkrapidsrotary.com or Facebook at Park Rapids Rotary Club.