South Brunswick Islands Rotary rallies to support students and families at Waccamaw School
After Hurricane Florence in September 2018, the Brunswick County community rallied together to provide support in a great time of need. Many civic organizations began offering immediate assistance to residents affected by the storm. The South Brunswick Islands (SBI) Rotary club was one organization who helped provide immediate support for residents. Club members did not stop there; they became concerned about student needs that remained unmet in the months following the hurricane. SBI Rotarians took a personal interest to ensure the longevity and success of students in the local community by reaching out to Communities In Schools (CIS) Success Coach Amber Malave at Waccamaw School. Initial meetings and discussions about student ongoing needs between the Rotary and Ms. Malave grew into the development of the South Brunswick Islands Rotary Clothing Program.
The CIS program at Waccamaw School coordinated with Rotary members over two months to develop program objectives and share information about the program with the local community. SBI Rotary members went on a shopping spree to prepare for the April clothing event. SBI Rotary took a personal interest and contributed over $4,000 toward the purchase of clothing items and Food Lion gift cards for families.
In early April, nineteen CIS students at Waccamaw School and their families affected by the storm enjoyed an evening of dinner, clothing, prize boxes, and a special Easter surprise for students. Tables were set up with even more free items including hygiene supplies, book bags, school supplies, summer shoes, books, and winter coats available for parents and students to visit throughout the evening.
The partnership between CIS and SBI Rotary has provided services to Waccamaw over the past three years and continues to flourish. SBI Rotary members live out their motto of “Service Above Self” and are involved in almost all CIS programs at Waccamaw School. Rotary members ensure programs like Peer Court, after school tutoring, and Friends of Rachel continue to thrive and allow students a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed. The club members volunteer their time and service selflessly and continue to develop new innovative ways to integrate the community into Waccamaw School and the CIS Action for Success program.
