The Rotary Club of Springfield South's recent District Grant project served 15 children from Blackhawk Elementary School in Springfield, IL who participate in the Compass For Kids' Club Compass program.
Rotarians are know to be community builders. We work with community leaders on projects that have a real impact on peoples' lives in the cities across the world where we serve. This community builder quality was on full display right here in central Illinois as the Springfield Club of Rotary South partnered with Compass for Kids on a District Grant project benefiting 15 local children from Blackhawk Elementary School on December 18th, 2024. It was a festive time of year and the perfect opportunity to throw a holiday party for some children whose families needed extra help around the holidays.
This was a complex project, and nearly every member of the Rotary Club of Springfield South played an important role. The evening at South Side Christian Church in Springfield began with Rotarians organizing cookie decorating and card making stations. Next, there was a visit from Santa Claus himself who took some time out of his busy schedule to drop of a whole sleigh full of presents. After some fun activities and opening tons of presents, the children were served a special holiday dinner. After the evening's festivities were over, everyone got to leave with a bag of food to help them get through the long holiday break.
This project was made possible by a grant from Rotary District 6490 as well as the hard work and generosity of our Club members. Rotarians shopped for the children, wrapped presents, prepared the evening's dinner, helped with the activities, and even held a food drive to ensure that the children had plenty to take home with them. The generous grant from Rotary District 6490 allowed us to purchase everyone's gifts as well as milk and bread for their take-home food bags.
The children who benefited from this project are members of Club Compass, a free, community-based after school program organized by Compass For Kids. Club Compass focuses on social-emotional skill development, life skills, enrichment, and reading. The program serves elementary school students in Springfield District 186 schools.
Compass For Kids is a local organization in Springfield whose mission is to provide academic and social-emotional support to empower children and families underserved by our community. Their vision is that all children in the community experience success and reach their full potential. To learn more about this great community partner of ours, visit them online at compassforkids.org.