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WATERVILLE — The Waterville Rotary Club recently donated $500 to four local high schools to provide support to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other challenges that have an impact on their learning.
Members of the club’s Community Services Committee delivered checks in person to each of the schools. The donations dovetail with the club’s focus the past two years on providing resources in the community to address food insecurity and lack of access to basic necessities, issues which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Maine School Administrative District 49, in Fairfield, plans to use the money for food, clothing, or transportation. They may also use some of it to buy sports equipment or materials for students who do not have means to buy them and participate in a sport or other activity.
Winslow High School will use the money to support their Raiders Closet. Non-perishable food and clothes will be bought as needed. In some cases, food-specific gift cards will be provided to families to buy perishable items.
Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, has an initiative that provides food for families for the weekend and snacks during the school day. The school actively seeks additional money to provide necessities that many of us take for granted, such as personal hygiene items, clothing, school supplies and food that can be prepared with minimal resources for those in temporary housing.
Waterville High School will use the money to support their school’s food pantry. They may also use some money to buy other necessary items for students, such as seasonal clothing.
All the representatives from the schools expressed a deep appreciation for the donation and the show of support for their most vulnerable students, the Rotary Club reported. The committee members enjoyed the opportunity to visit the schools, meet with staff and students, and hear about the ways tha local schools are looking out for their students.
For more information, visit watervillerotary.com.
