Each Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 12 noon, any Marine families can come to the Rotary Club’s warehouse and take what they need for free. The lines are usually very long, helping between 120 - 150 families each week.
About 11,000 families were helped in 2020. Also, they received donations from small farmers in San Diego County and first handed out fruits and vegetables, then included meat, eggs and milk all delivered to Marine families. Additional donations are received from Los Angeles and Orange County Rotarians including clothing, beds, other items.
The Club has sponsored several humanitarian projects including an on-base Memorial Wall for military heroes. Seven Rotary Clubs contributed. The Wall contains over 1,600 names of fallen Camp Pendelton servicemen and servicewomen. The Club also sponsors special events with support from District 5280, including the Halloween and Christmas parties for Marine families.
Occasionally the Club receives requests for Marine families with special needs. When this happens, Rotarians usually step up to provide money and other assistance.
Linda described her sincere and emotional commitment to Marine families, fundraisers, and community connections that help their Marine community. Sha gave thanks to all who have changed the lives of thousands of Marines and their families, reminding us that all donations are tax deductible and every cent goes directly to the Marines and their families.
Questions:
PP Tom Barron: Do any other Marine bases do this? None that Linda is aware of. It has been tried at some Marine bases in the past, but not at present.
PP Marsha Hunt: Do they accept diaper donations? Yes, there are many children and babies on base.
DG Bette Hall noted that there are four drop off spots in District 5280. Also, Marine trucks will organize pickups in LA County.
President Nancy thanked Linda and looked forward to helping in future.
Scrivener for the Day: PP Chris Bradford