Carmi Rotary Club meeting
By Randy Adams
The Carmi Rotary club met for the first time in the new year, and learned about the Carmi Compassion Center from the director of that organization, Melissa Questell.
Melissa told the club that the Compassion Center began back in October of 2014, and she actually started her role in June of that year, prior to the opening. The center operates 100% from donations, and utilizes volunteer help to handle the workload.
The Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. Clients are allowed to get three complete outfits of clothing every four weeks from the Center’s store. The Center also provides hygiene kits, diapers, Bibles, and devotionals for those who need those items. Assistance for heating bills is available on a once per year basis, with a maximum amount of $75. Gas for trips to doctor’s appointments is also available for verified needs.
Melissa stated that anyone wishing to drop off items can do so on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 9:00am and noon. Anyone who would like to help is more than welcome. In fact, Melissa stressed that if any group of 4 or 5 people would like to help, the hours can be completely flexible, just call her to set up a convenient time.
The Center accepts donations of good clothing, furniture, appliances, bedding items, diapers, and other miscellaneous items such as: purses, billfolds, caps, hats, and toilet paper. They do not accept decorative items, toys, cookware, plates, glasses, silverware (basically anything too breakable).
The Center is located at 104 West Robinson Street in Carmi, (directly behind the Downtown House of Prayer). The phone number for the Center is: 383-5874.
In club business, Tom Logan reported that the Rotary District grant had been approved, and Rotary will be donating $2000 to the Brownsville School Foundation. In addition to that amount, the Carmi club and the Fairfield club will each pitch in an additional $500 bringing Rotary’s total contribution to $3000.
The club discussed the upcoming “Get to know Rotary” dinner, which will be held at the end of the month. More details on this event will be out soon.
Cindy Conley won the 50/50 drawing but did not claim the day’s jackpot. Lyn Stephens was named as the day’s phantom.
The Carmi Rotary club meets every Thursday at noon at the First United Methodist Church on Main Street in Carmi. Anyone wishing to learn more about this civic organization is welcome to attend a meeting or speak with any Carmi Rotarian.
