The Rotary Club of Walnut is committed to Service Above Self and 2025 was demonstrative of our members’ commitment to that principle. Throughout the year, the Rotary Club organized several community service projects aimed at addressing local needs.
Members dedicated time and resources to initiatives such as blood drives, walking to promote awareness of the near proximity of the eradication of polio from our world, delivery of food during the summer months and Holidays to area families, providing milk for students during the school year, and support for shelters both in our region and internationally. These efforts helped to ensure vulnerable populations received vital assistance, whether the result of manmade or natural disasters or due to financial difficulties.
The cornerstone of our Club's work was fundraising for charitable causes. We hosted four cookouts, as well as our Annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast which collectively raised significant funds. Donations by community supporters helped to
- Provide free meals for beloved area Veterans (in conjunction with The Shed Tap and Grill);
- Ensure funds were available for area victims for domestic abuse;
- Purchase equipment for first responders battling the aftermath of the devastating Texas floods;
- Promote T1 diabetes research;
- Fund and construct an outhouse at The Ross Preserve for public use; and
- Provide emergency relief to families facing hardship.
Recognizing the importance of supporting our area youth, Club fundraising efforts provided funds:
- To support local Interact Chapters at Bureau Valley High School and Bureau Valley Junior High School;
- To The Store (Sheffield) which provides essentials for area families in need free of charge;
- To support children’s activities during Walnut Days;
- To support Bureau Valley High School’s After Prom program, providing a safe haven for students participating;
- To offset the expense of a sensory garden at the Walnut Public Library;
- To the CGH Foundation to assist in regional pediatric mental health and nutrition programs;
- To the local Food Pantry and Community Holiday Food Basket program;
- To purchase candies for area children at Easter and Halloween time (in conjunction with Allure Nursing Home and BVHS Interact Club);
- To provide food for school children during the summer months, as well as milk during the school year;
- Purchase school supplies for BV students in need;
- Purchase equipment for the Bureau Valley Walnut Elementary adaptive school room;
- Provide emergency funds for Ohio School District students; and
- Support the BVHS FFA Club in its’ “Feed the Farmer” efforts during the 2025 harvest.
Additionally, The Roary Club of Walnut joined with other Rotary Clubs in RI District 6420 in committing to donate at least $5,000 over the next five years to help fund the Sauk Vally Community College IMPACT program, which provides free college tuition for participating students who meet the 25 hours per year volunteer commitment throughout their high school careers.
The Club extended its reach beyond our community through international service projects, providing a Shelter Box for a family of four in an area affected by war, famine or natural disaster. Individual members donated to the Rotary International Foundation, which is dedicated to the delivery of medical supplies to developing regions, clean water initiatives, and disaster relief efforts in areas affected by natural calamities. Club members participated in and donated to Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” initiative, working with Clubs around the world, as well as generous individual donors, to ensure the eradication of this devasting disease in our lifetimes.
Health and wellness remained a priority, with Club members organizing two blood drives, donating to the American Heart Association and, in support of the BVHS Interact Club, an “End Polio Now” Purple Pinkie campaign. These efforts contributed to improved public health outcomes and ensured greater access to medical services for underserved communities.
To summarize, the sixteen members Rotary Club of Walnut donated or pledged over $21,300 to local, state, national and international causes, organizations and efforts. While we are proud of what we were able to do in 2025, we wholeheartedly acknowledge that our ability to give a single dime is entirely dependent upon the generosity of our community. Without the support of those who surround us and appreciate the importance of looking out for and giving to others, our Club would be of less influence.
In review, The Rotary Club of Walnut reflects proudly on its’ ability to have done charitable works in 2025. The impact of these efforts continues to inspire us to find new projects and partnerships, reaffirming Rotary’s mission to put “Service Above Self” and create positive change in our community and beyond. We look forward to building on this foundation in 2026.