At the start of each school year, many families are faced with the high cost of school uniforms and related educational expenses, especially in the public school system. The Rotary Club of Laredo Daybreak, with the assistance of community leader County Commissioner Wawi Tijerina, identified that the children participants of the Larga Vista Community Center (LVCC) were in need of assistance. With a rising cost of living and rising unemployment numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic among other financial and economic factors, the Larga Vista Colonia families are struggling and they depend on the community center for assistance with utilities, elderly services, medical services and or assistance, and food distribution for the families.
The Rotary Club of Laredo Daybreak, with the financial participation of the Rotary Club of Laredo Gateway, Rotary Club of Laredo, Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation, and Rotary Club of Laredo Under Seven Flags, applied for Rotary district grant funds to provide uniform sets to 60 school age children who registered at the center. On Tuesday, September 8, the LVCC helped us with the drive-by setup so each child could receive a uniform set that included 2 uniform tops, 2 uniform bottoms and 1 pair of tennis shoes.
Our mission as Rotarians is to provide service above self and with this project we hope to ensure the children remain committed to their education and may be inspired to selflessly serve their community as they will get to know what Rotary does for others.
Story written and submitted by Liz Gomez
Photo Credit: Alice Herrera
