Lancaster Rotary During
The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic roared its ugly head in Pennsylvania on March 12, 2020.  Pennsylvania had a stay at home order for all nonessential services for three months.  Even doctor appointments were canceled or virtual.  Rotary meetings became virtual.  President Jeremy DeBord summarized the period from March 12 to the end of his term before he 'passed the gavel':

“While I very much enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to serve as your President; I wouldn't be truthful if told you that I wasn't a little disappointed by the second half of my term.  We could focus on the fact that we were forced to forego some of our Club's major initiatives, we could focus on the fact that we were not able to see our friends in person each week at the Farm and Home Center, we could focus on a variety of negatives…..but I refuse to do that and would prefer to focus only on the positive aspects of this year.

Some of these positive aspects are as follows:

1. Through a District Grant, our Club was able to donate iPads to Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development to help with their newly created room to help children with Autism
2. Utilizing funds designated through our Presidential Grants, our Club was able to donate a total of $10,000 to United Disabilities Services and Operation Emerald (dedicated to providing Personal Protective Equipment to first responders).
3. We were able to contribute over $9,000 as well as partner with Penn Manor School District two Lancaster churches, the Central American Relief Effort (CARE) and a local moving company to salvage used desks and chairs to be sent to schools in a poverty-stricken community in rural Honduras.  Historically these children in Honduras often had no more than wooden benches to sit on.  Now, with the help of our Club, these children have the school furniture that they need to further their education.
4. We volunteered 250 hours to pack and help distribute over 3000 Power Pack bags in a shortened school year.
5. We had fellowship initiates including a Rotary family picnic as well as our annual Crab feast.
6. We are well underway, shepherded by Greg Orth, to develop and implement a strategic plan which will hopefully attract new members, reach a different demographic all while continuing to serve our community.
7. During the Pandemic, we identified a local restaurant each week and supported them by encouraging our members to patronize them during those difficult times.
8. We were able to have our annual 4H Strawberry Auction (virtually of course), but were able to raise 1450 for 4-H.  We sold all of the berries for the kids and raised $650 for the Max Smith Scholarship Fund!

I am proud to say that even during a Pandemic we raised over $20,000 for our Rotary Foundation…I appreciate your generosity.

Most importantly, however the biggest Positive that we experienced this year, was keeping our Club together, engaged and productive during a time of such unrest”.

Next: Presidents & Executive Secretaries of Lancaster Rotary