Rotary Club of Three Creeks to execute "Virtual Service Project"

We have already successfully held a virtual club meeting, virtual club board meeting and virtual P-Team Meeting, and will hold another virtual club meeting this week, so the club leadership got to thinking:

Susanne suggested: "Why don't we try a virtual service project?"

Since service to the community is part of our club's DNA, and we are living through one of the nation's biggest-ever health crises, it seems appropriate for Rotarians like us to do what we do.
On Saturday, April 4, the club encourages you to provide service that you can do while still respecting the "stay at home" order and social distancing practices. The club has prepared a list of service ideas that can be done in respect to the situation we are currently in. From that list (below) if club members will take time out of their day on April 4 to provide a little bit of service, you'll be making a big difference in the community. If you have Rotary attire to wear while doing it, please do.
Here are some suggestions, which all fall into the "essential services" list approved by Governor Inslee:

• DELIVER MEALS: Vulnerable seniors are at greatest risk amid COVID-19. Let's help keep them safe and cared for. Contact Meals on Wheels locally (Dan Sockle can be helpful with this)
• DONATE TO A SHELTER OR FOOD BANK: During this time, organizations are running low on food items, help them stay well-stocked for those in need.
• VOLUNTEER AT A FOOD BANK: Food banks are in great need of volunteers to help pack and sort food. They are taking precautions to prioritize volunteer safety.
• SUPPORT NONPROFITS: Nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable communities - like seniors and low-income families - need our help. Find a fund to donate to nonprofits of your choice in the community.
• WELLNESS CHECKS: Check on older neighbors with a call, text or talk through the door.
• CREATE HYGIENE KITS: Create hygiene kits and drop off at a shelter for people experiencing homelessness to help them stay healthy.
• DONATE BLOOD: Donated blood has decreased dramatically. Healthy, eligible donors are urged to come out and give to ensure there's lifesaving blood on the shelves for those who need it most. Visit the American Red Cross here, or Bloodwoorks NW here to find a blood drive near you.
• PICK UP LITTER: While you're out for your morning or afternoon walk, take a garbage bag with you and pick up litter you see along your route.
• YARDWORK/MAINTENANCE: Pressure wash driveway and walks, weed, prune trees/shrubs, or mow in your neighbor's yard if they need help.
• WALK A DOG: Some dogs are having a hard time getting their regular exercise during the Stay at Home order, since elderly pet owners are not taking them for walks. Help out by offering to take a neighbor's pet for a walk.
  
• GET GROCERIES: Make a run to the grocery store or pharmacy for a neighbor or family member.
• SEW MASKS: There's reportedly still a shortage of masks for healthcare workers and volunteers are sewing masks for them. Joanne is providing free fabric and patters for masks at their stores. If you have sewing skills, this is one way to help out from home.

So how does a "Virtual Service Project" work? While you're on your project send a selfie of yourself (or a picture someone else takes of you) and a description of your work to Nelsonand Samantha. Nelson will post it on the club's Facebook and website, and Sam will post it on the club's Instagram. President Scot will keep track of the projects you all do, and the total amount of time you've spent on it and the club will record a service project for the day.
We will also share a narrative and photos with Rotary District 5100 to encourage other clubs to continue to provide service, if even virtually, during these days of us all limiting exposure in order to "flatten the curve".
If you have any questions, please contact Nelson.