Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities. The local Brentwood Rotary Club raises money through fundraisers like their Pancake Breakfast to support local charities. One of the charities they support is Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.
Recently we spoke with Kelly Campbell,Vice President of Residential Care, who shared how the donation that the Rotary gave impacted Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.
“We had an old room that was basically a junk room. We wanted to convert it to a library and art room for the children. The Rotary invested both time and money into that project. Several Rotary members invested many hours in cleaning out and cleaning up that old room. It was more than giving us money, it was an investment of their time in a worthwhile cause. We now enjoy a beautiful room that is used for art, reading, counseling, meeting space, etc.”
“After the library was completed, the Rotary gave us an additional $3000 for educational purposes. We were made aware of the need that many of our children had for a steady diet of sensory stimulation. We went to see a local Occupational Therapy Center for children. With the help and direction of the owner of that facility, we used the money from Rotary to develop a sensory room on campus.”
And when we asked Campbell to tell us what it means to have local support from the Rotary, he replied.
“TBCH receives no state or federal money for the services we provide to children and families in crisis. We depend heavily on the local community not only for financial support but for volunteer hours as well. Last year, over 1300 people donated over 4,000 volunteer hours. Groups like the Rotary help to provide services to children who might not otherwise be in a place to receive such services. The relationships with groups like this go far beyond a onetime event, but can literally last a life time. We would not want to do what we do without partners like the Rotary.”
The Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, founded in 1891, is a ministry of the churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. With 6 locations across the state (Brentwood, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Memphis, Millington, and Oakdale) TBCH cares for approximately 200 children each year who find themselves without a place to call home due to family crisis. In each cottage, married houseparent couples care for 6 to 8 children in a family home environment. Learn more about the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home on their website.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of helping the community in a simple way like attending the Rotary Club pancake breakfast on Saturday,April 9 from 7:30 am-11 am at the Brentwood Middle School.
In addition to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, the Brentwood Rotary Club also supports The Martin Center as well as our local students with scholarship opportunities
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