Service News

Giles Rotary | Supports Local Baby Store

Mary Collins, Susan Kidd, and Daph Huffman delivered diapers, baby wipes, and pull-ups to the Giles County Baby Store in early February 2025. The Giles Club leans into service projects that support youth, education, and poverty. This is a repeat project that the club enjoys. Recently Giles County experienced flooding due to Hurricane Helene that caused a major shortage in items for the Baby Store, so this project helped ease the pressure felt by this community impact organization. 

More information about this service from their website:

Parenting can be hard work, and sometimes it’s a struggle to make ends meet. The CHIP Baby and Toddler Shops provide infant and toddler items – clothing, diapers, shoes, coats and more — at no charge to families living in Floyd and Giles. While parents do not need to be part of CHIP to shop here, volunteers encourage home visiting as a helpful resource.  

When a family visits a CHIP Floyd or Giles Shop for the first time, the parent is invited to complete a short information sheet so that a CHIP staff member can contact them later about CHIP and other available resources in the community.   

Donations and Volunteers Needed! 
Baby and Toddler Shops rely on contributions of items for the healthy development of infants and young children. Items needed include diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash cream, baby wash and lotions. If you would like to donate to the Shops or volunteer, contact our CHIP office at 540-633-5133 ext. 501. 

The Giles County Rotary Club will also be delivering Valentine's cards and gifts to the area nursing home this month. A great month of service!
 


Broadway Timberville Rotary Christmastime Service

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Christmas is a special time of giving and service for the Rotary Club of Broadway Timberville.  Each year, club members join together to shop for gifts for children from the schools in the Broadway Timberville area and individual members of the club play “secret Santa” for some of the people supported by Pleasant View Inc.  The club also donates $500 to each of the area schools for their backpack and hunger programs.


A school in our area identifies 20 children from families who will not be able to give the children gifts for Christmas.  On a Saturday in early December, Rotarians get together and go shopping for gifts, spending about $1500.  After the fun of shopping together for others, the group meets for a wonderful time of fellowship at Thomas Restaurant in Dayton, Va. 


Soon after the club’s founding in 2004, Rotarians became aware that many of the people supported by Pleasant View, Inc. (PVI), a nonprofit supporting individuals who have developmental disabilities, missed out on gifts for Christmas morning.  Due to institutionalization or other issues, many adults who have disabilities have lost their families connections.  PVI staff members identify individuals who will receive little or nothing to open on Christmas morning, and the Rotarians take a name and shopping list to be their Santa.   These beautifully wrapped presents are taken to each individual’s home where they wait for Christmas morning.  The joy they bring is beyond description, for the individuals who have disabilities and also each Rotarian who gives a gift!


Rotary Conference Registration Open

Rotary Conference Registration is open! ?? From April 3-6, 2025, we’re gathering at the beautiful Inn at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA for a weekend of inspiration, learning, and unforgettable fellowship.

Why Attend?
This year’s conference promises to be an exciting event! Here’s what you can look forward to:

?? Engaging Speakers – Hear from renowned experts like Richard Reeves on rebuilding relationships, Steve Lerch on the power of AI, Rotarian and Holocaust survivor Sam Harris on critical lessons from history, and more! Check the conference website for more updates and speakers.

?? Show-Stopping Entertainment – Tap your toes to Dueling Pianos, sing along with a Beatles Tribute Band, and enjoy camaraderie that only Rotary can offer.

?? Hands-On Fun – Create a lasting memory with arts and crafts, where you can paint LOVE letters or a peace pole to symbolize connection and peace in your community.

?? Fellowship Like Never Before – Share stories, laughter, and ideas with Rotarians from across the district. From Pints for Polio to a Wine & Chocolate Tasting and our annual Whiskey Tasting, there’s something for everyone.

?? The Famous Rotary Cookie Table – In honor of RI president Stephanie Urchick, Saturday night will be Pittsburgh food theme. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share at our cookie table—a sweet tradition that connects us all. Taste your way through a variety of treats and maybe discover a new favorite!

?? Professional Networking Opportunities – Build connections with business leaders, attorneys, and professionals from across the district. Share insights, forge partnerships, and explore opportunities to grow your impact both in your career and in service.

?? Learn & Grow – Participate in interactive breakouts, youth-focused sessions, and discussions that showcase the heart of Rotary’s mission.

?? Make an Impact – Roll up your sleeves and join the district service project on Saturday afternoon. Together, we’ll demonstrate Rotary’s commitment to making a difference while having fun and connecting with one another.

?? Memorial Service and Final Awards – Celebrate our Rotary family, reflect on our impact, and look forward to the future.

To Register > https://www.rotary7570conference.com/


Valentine's Delivery

At a recent February meeting, members of the Giles County Rotary Club put together Valentine care baskets for residents at Heritage Hall Rich Creek. The club worked to put together 110 baskets and deliver those prior to Valentine’s Day. Members present included (from left to right) Adam Jeffers, Ken Vittum, Marilyn Shaffer, Daph Huffman, Josh Davis, Carol Lavinder, Susan Kidd, Mary Collins, and Chelsea Warner. With heart, from Giles Rotary!