Hometown Hero: Rotary Club of Somers Point

Hometown Hero: Rotary Club of Somers Point

By Maddy Vitale

SOMERS POINT – Normally, when you think of 100 it signifies a milestone. But in the case of the Rotary Club of Somers Point, it reflects a growing need in the community.

The day before Thanksgiving, the club delivered 100 meal boxes to homes in Somers Point and Atlantic City. The boxes contained frozen foods to be prepared for Thanksgiving dinner that could feed a family of six.

“The rotary realized there was a greater need, and took the initiative to work with the Somers Point schools and John Brooks Recovery Center in Atlantic City, to give meals – not only to those in need in Somers Point – but in Atlantic City,” said Steve Boyd, 55, spokesman for the rotary and member. “As a Club we felt the best use of the additional resources would be in Atlantic City.”

On Nov. 22, 15 of the 33 rotary club members, arrived at Shoprite in Somers Point ready for a day of giving. Each member had a list of places he or she would deliver meal boxes to. Each box contained a frozen turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, two vegetables, and gravy.  

“Each person takes the list, loads up their vehicles with the meal boxes, and shoots off in separate directions, knocks on doors and hands out boxes,” Boyd said, adding that it is a rewarding experience.  

Chris Michel, coordinator of rotary event, explained that in 2008 the rotary decided to give directly to families as a way of providing food to those in need, rather than simply sending money to a food bank. The idea came from a long time Rotarian and past club president, Mark Lavinsky, who has since passed away.  

The project started small with just about 25 meals boxes delivered at Thanksgiving for the first years. Last year, the club delivered around 40 meals. And this year, due to a growing need, as well as help from new rotary supporters, the rotary was able to provide Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings to needy families with about 50 dinners going to Somers Point families and 50 to Atlantic City families.

“Originally, it was just for families identified to us by the Somers Point school association, but with the additional resources, we were able extend our reach into the Atlantic City system this year,” Michel said.

This year the meals cost around $4,000 this year, with funds from rotary fundraisers, in addition to new rotary supporters. Funds also came from member contributions and staff at the Linwood-based accounting firm, Friedman LLP, who have given generously of both funds and time, Michel said.   

And over nearly a decade, the club has spent around $18,000 on the meal box Thanksgiving project.

Rotary members said it is one of the most rewarding projects they do.

“The Rotary Club of Somers Point has been delighted with the response they get for what has become an annual tradition,” Michel said. “When the club members deliver the boxes, the people tell us how grateful they are to get them.”

Julie Antell, the school counsellor at Dawes Avenue Elementary School in Somers Point said, “Many of the same families receive the meals year after year, and they tell us how much they look forward to their delicious gift.”

Lisa Munn of the John Brooks Recovery Center in Atlantic City, assisted in delivering the meal boxes and said families are very appreciative of the heartfelt gift.

“It’s such a pleasure to bring such joy and happiness to those in need,” Rotary Club President Joe Massington said of the project.

With many families throughout the area continuing to struggle to make ends meet, organizations such as the Somers Point Rotary is there to give some assistance.

And while one delicious Thanksgiving meal, may not seem like a lot for some, for others, it may mean a time with family, forgetting troubles, at least for a little while.

“Who knows what the next year will bring,” Boyd said. “The need is growing. As a rotary, we are just glad we could help any way we can.”

The Rotary Club of Somers Point is part of the global rotary network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change at home and aboard. The Somers Point club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. at The Docs Place on Bay Avenue in Somers Point.  New members are welcome to attend.

For further information about the Rotary Club of Somers Point call Steve Boyd at 609-385-8202 or via email steveboyd9@msn.com.

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