RCB Members Bring Holiday Cheer to Residents of Area Boarding Homes in 25th Year of Service Project
Each December since 1997, RCB members have volunteered to shop for residents of boarding homes in the Birmingham community. These boarding homes provide meals and a safe living environment for homeless individuals unable to live independently. The items are delivered to the boarding homes in time for the holidays and are often the only gifts the residents receive all year. RCB members provided essentials and presents to over 100 residents of five local boarding homes this year.
“The Holiday Boarding Home Project is a wonderful opportunity for members of the Rotary Club of Birmingham to give back,” said RCB President Chuck Redden. “The project exemplifies the guiding philosophy of Rotary membership: ‘Service above Self.’ It has been a special part of my holiday season for many years, and I always look forward to working with other Rotarians to deliver joy to those in need.”
For several weeks leading up to the donation day, dozens of Rotarians collect new clothing, hygiene, food and gift items to fulfill the needs identified by the boarding house directors. Rotary staff and volunteers pack the gifts into boxes for each resident to make sure they receive items they need and want for the holidays.
“Rotary Club members look forward to receiving the lists and shopping for the items requested by each resident to help make their holiday season a little brighter,” said project co-chair Libba Vaughan. “Many get the whole family involved, inviting their children and grandchildren to help select gifts.” The Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Chorus will join together to deliver a truckload of essential items and holiday gifts to residents of Birmingham area boarding homes on Friday, December 9, 2022, with holiday carols bringing cheer to residents. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Holiday Boarding Home service project.
Rotary volunteers gathered at the RCB office to load boxes provided by Armstrong Relocation onto a moving truck provided by Empire Office, Inc. Member contributions allow RCB to provide bottled water, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning supplies, and paper products, as well as hams, turkeys and additional food for a holiday meal to each boarding home. This year, members also contributed funds to provide a new deep freezer for one of the homes.
“Seeing the reactions of the boarding home residents and directors when they receive the items is incredibly heartwarming,” said project co-chair Alison Grizzle. “The individuals living in boarding homes often feel forgotten and this project reminds them that they are seen.”
To commemorate the project’s 25th anniversary, members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus joined RCB members to sing traditional carols with the residents at each home, under the direction of Rotarian Carlos Izcaray, Alabama Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director.
“It warms my heart to be able to join my fellow Rotarians and members of the Alabama Symphony Chorus in bringing the holiday spirit to those living in area boarding homes. Birmingham is a loving community, and this token of affection and appreciation reinforces the enchanting character of our Magic City.”
