The Alleghany Center of Wilkes Community College’s Rotaract Club has been very active during their first year. “The club has really taken off, helping the community and building admirable character traits,” said Benita Hampton, club advisor.
Their activities this year include participating in the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat; delivering Valentines to local nursing home residents; working at “Hero Night” bean bag toss conducted by the Alleghany Partnership for Children; volunteering at MerleFest; establishing a recycle center at the Alleghany Center; assisting in painting the new pregnancy center; preparing food for the Get Outside Mountain Relay Run; and assisting with Kindergarten Day at the Alleghany Center.
Rotaract students spent many hours collecting donations and filling book bags for the Town of Sparta’s Foster Child Overnight Bag Program. The bags are given to foster children as they enter the local Foster Child Program. Books, clothing, sanitary items, and much more went to fill 5 bags for children ages infant through 15.
“We believe that through community service and volunteer hours, students learn how they can effect change, make better decisions, and ultimately build a brighter future for themselves,” said Hampton.
Rotaract brings together adults ages 18-30 to take action in their communities, develop their leadership and professional skills, and have fun. Rotary clubs sponsor them, but Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently.
Bob Lane, Sparta Chief of Police; Jennifer McCallister, student; Kathy Anders, Sparta Town Administration; Cyndal Guffy, student; Benita Hampton, club advisor; and Kaleb Redd, student.
Jennifer McCallister, Cyndal Guffy, David Hare, Regional Rotary Governor, Kaleb Redd, Benita Hampton, and Tony League, Alleghany Rotary President. WCC Rotaract students and advisor attended a covered dish dinner honoring the Rotary Regional Governor.