DC&S Shares Stats

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in an upbeat rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag” June McAfee led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Shar Heitkotter invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kip Bowler asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Nick Lang conducted a spirited Horseplay while Jack Petersen collected fines on behalf of this year’s Dictionary Project!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jenny McDowell invited members to donate to a kidney transplant for a single woman with five children. Jenny will match funds up to $250.

President Grant presented Ken Sizemore with a book chronicling his year as president of St. George Rotary.

PROGRAM: President Grant introduced Robert Schaefer, operations manager at Dixie Care and Share who announced Ruben Garcia has been selected, after a long search, to serve as Executive Director.

Citing recent data about DC&S, Schaefer reported 11,025 nights of lodging in the 54-bed homeless shelter; 29,900 meals to short term residents; 1,500,000 pounds of food distributed to homeless individuals and working poor families. The 17 employees and numerous volunteers at the St. George and Hurricane locations also distributed 1175 packages of diapers and 5000 hygiene kits; as well as bus tickets and emergency car repairs provided by funds from the Salvation Army through the holiday Red Kettle Campaign (which last year raised $45,000). Grants provided another $84,000 in rental assistance and utility deposits.

“I’ve never seen a more giving community, but every month is a struggle,” states the operations manager.

Kelly Knowles, a former resident of the homeless shelter who now works as the food bank manager added, “the lines begin to form by mid morning.”

Schaefer added the program is looking for funding to double the size of the current facility. 70% of those seeking assistance through DC&S are from outside the county and 2/3 are men. “However, our greatest need is for baby food and diapers,” notes Shaeffer, “and cash! We really, really need cash donations.”