Rotary Club Gives Berkley School District $500

The Rotary Club of Berkley recently presented the with a $500 check to purchase books for at-risk students as part of its effort to build a partnership with the district.

Such an alliance is part of the local group's work to earn Rotary International's 2012-13 Presidential Citation, which the organization says, "will recognize Rotary clubs that achieve an array of accomplishments that help them become stronger, deliver effective service, and enhance their public image." 

"We're looking forward to building an alliance with the Berkley School District," said Rotary Club of Berkley president . "I thought it was a perfect fit for the Berkley Rotary Club to give this gift to start an alliance. Hopefully this will be the first of many things we can do for them."

The district will use the money to buy books that the students choose themselves and get to keep, BSD Communications Supervisor Jessica Stilger said.

"Thanks to the Rotary for all they do for the community and for this partnership with the school district," BSD Superintendent Dennis McDavid said after the $500 check was presented July 16 during the service group's weekly meeting at .

Rotary International is a volunteer organization with 1.2 members worldwide that aims "to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio," according to its website.

Benson said another one of the organization's missions is to advance literacy and that the local club has held book drives and donated books internationally.

He said the Rotary Club of Berkley is looking to increase its membership and guests are always welcome at the group's meetings, which are held at 12:15 p.m. each Monday at Berkley First United Methodist Church.