Avalon Rotary, Interact members lend a helping hand

Club has raised and donated nearly $22K to food bank

The impacts of COVID-19 on Catalina Island have been far reaching with unemployment upwards of 80%. As a result, the island is now depending upon volunteers at a level never before seen. Avalon Rotary and Interact club members have joined forces with community members and other civic organizations to lend a helping hand in various ways.

Food Bank Support

Twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) ten or more Rotary and Interact Club members work to stock and hand out bags of food and household staples. In addition, the club has raised and donated nearly $22,000 to the food bank and continues to facilitate donations.

Demand for Medical Travel Grants, a long-time program of Avalon Rotary, remains high and members of the public who may need assistance in covering the cost of travel for medical care are encouraged to apply. To apply contact Catalina Island Medical Center, Social Services at 310-510-0096. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Must prove financial need.
2. Must provide check stubs for past three months, bank statements, SS Award letter and/or last year’s tax return.
3. To be eligible for a commuter book must have 2 or more appointments confirmed within a 30-day period.
4. Must give 2 weeks advanced notice prior to appointment date.
5. Must provide Doctor’s name, number and appointment times.

Service projects including weed abatement and community clean-ups are ongoing with twice weekly (Monday and Wednesday mornings) efforts ongoing and a larger community-wide clean-up is slated for Saturday May 23, between 9 and 11 a.m. Gather at Kid’s Park with gloves and face masks on hand for an assigned location. Physical distancing will be expected throughout the clean-up or weed abatement efforts.

Donations in support of any of these programs are tax deductible and can be sent to P.O. Box 444, Avalon, CA 90704. The club wishes to thank the many community members, businesses and fellow service clubs that have already donated time, talent of financially in support or Rotary work.