Receiving coats from the Taylor Rotary Club were Kinyon Elementary School kindergartner Mallory Sullivan (left) and second-graders Michael King, Lawerence Wells, Alissa Alford and Amani Green. Behind them are Taylor schools Assistant Supt. Brian Theil (left), Kinyon Principal Dannielle McGuire, Rotarians Dave Hamilton and Armando Sardanopoli and Dave Hamilton and Supt. Bethany Iverson. More than 400 jackets were distributed throughout Taylor Public Schools.
TAYLOR — When members of the Rotary Club of Taylor donated more than 130 jackets to local school children last winter, they discovered that their good deeds only put a small dent in the problem.
This year, Rotarians collected three times as many coats – more than 400 – which were distributed last week to school officials and passed on to Taylor students.
And Rotarians said they aren’t done yet.
“This is good, but we identified even more of a need,” said Rotarian Armando Sardanopoli, who heads up the coat drive for the club. “We will try even harder next year.”
Sardanopoli said Rotarians solicited local businesses for donations. Participants included MediLodge of Taylor, Two Men and a Truck, Envelope Printery, Penguin Juice Garner Properties and Investments and employees, Taylor Chrysler Jeep, employees of Wade Trim Associates and employees of Fifth Third Bank.
Adding to the cause was a donation from the Taylor Rotary Club Foundation, which provided money raised through annual fundraising events. Rotary Club members also donated individually toward the purchase of the jackets. In fact, Rotarian Dave Hamilton, owner of Envelope Printery, absorbed the cost of shipping, which allowed the club to purchase even more jackets.
Sardanopoli said Taylor Public Schools officials and the Taylor Head Start program, operated by The Guidance Center, helped identify the needy children.
McGuire, Taylor schools Supt. Bethany Iverson and Assistant Supt. Brian Theil were present for the presentation of new jackets, where Kinyon pupils were appreciative of their new winter apparel.
Sardanopoli said Downriver Rotary Clubs have donated nearly 800 winter jackets to the needy.
Membership is open to service-oriented residents and workers of the area. Guests are welcome to attend.
To learn more about the club and its schedule of lunch programs go to www.taylorrotary.com.