Cedar Rapids West Sponsors Backpacks for Kids
Cedar Rapids West Rotary served as the primary sponsor once again this year for the Backpacks for Kids program that supports area students.
The West Rotary event “Flapjacks for Backpacks”, took place on March 7, 2015. In addition to tickets sold and purchased by club members, a silent auction was held to raise funds. Additionally, the club was able to secure significant corporate sponsorships.
When all was said and done, approximately $12,000 was raised in conjunction with the March 7 event. In addition to those funds, the club was also provided with a District Designated grant of $5000 from Rotary District 5970.
The total number of backpacks purchased with these funds was 2058. The backpacks/supplies were distributed on August 1 at the local Salvation Army, and students from several area grade schools, middle schools, and high schools benefited. Additionally, $650 in school supplies for the backpacks was provided to Van Buren Elementary. Also, $400 in “Trapper Keeper” school organizers were provided to McKinley Middle School and HD Youth Center. Tanager Place and HD Youth Center also distributed several dozen backpacks.
While West Rotary was the main financial sponsor for this backpacks event, the club also received volunteer assistance from the Olivet Neighborhood Mission, Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood Association, Freedom Festival, Friends of Hiawatha, HD Youth Center, Salvation Army, and Tanager Place.