This past weekend, members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake delivered backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies to the children of Casa Hoga Infantil Uriel in Tijuana.
The children's home cares for approximately 35 boys and girls, ages 4 to 18, and the start of a new school year brings an added need for backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons, markers, and other classroom essentials.
With support from the club and a Rotary District 5340 matching grant, they helped make sure the children began the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.
The project supports one of Rotary's key Areas of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy. Something as simple as having the right school supplies can remove a practical barrier to learning and help a child participate more fully in the classroom.
But the day was about much more than handling out backpacks. members spent time visiting, playing games, and sharing plenty of smiles with the children.
For this club, this project represents much more than a one-time backpack giveaway.
Over the years, the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake has developed a special relationship with Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel. Our members have helped with plumbing repairs, bathroom renovations, exterior painting, signage, a larger water heater, a computer lab and new computers. They have also shared memorable days with the children, including a mural and art project celebrating Dia de los Ninos and Rotarian at Work Day.
Their commitment is rooted in sustainability, follow-through, and relationships. They want the children to know that their support does not end when one project is completed.
The back-to-school effort was another opportunity demonstrate the belief that no child's potential knows no boundaries.
The Rotary Club of Eastlake is grateful to Rotary District 5340 for helping them extend the impact of their club's contribution - and especially grateful to the leaders and caregivers at Cas Hogar Infantil Uriel for the extraordinary work they do every day.
Service Above Self - one backpack - and one brighter future - at a time.