Five Hundred Plus Reasons On June 30, 2022, the Holland Springfield Rotary Club, which was organized in 1992, dissolved. As a former club president, I must share that this was a very difficult process. The many friendships and desire to continue serving the community in some capacity motivated many former members to start the Holland Springfield Foundation. At the heart of our mission is to continue many of the child-centered, educational programs and activities that Rotary was well known for–one in particular known as the annual shopping spree.
In partnership with Walmart, whose foundation again this year granted funds to assist with the effort, on December 2, 20 children boarded a bus for the short trip to the Spring Meadows location to enjoy an adventure that resulted in new clothing and at least one toy. The students were paired with adult shoppers, who tried hard to stretch every designated dollar to find and purchase items on lists created with parent approval. I would like to suggest that the adults gain as much as their young friends. For me, especially, it’s watching the pure joy and wish everyone could have a similar experience. Especially when we got to the toy department. This year, my new friend quietly shared that the toy that was selected would be offered to a cousin. It only took a second for me to turn the cart around to make sure this generous little person also took home a toy.
I have been humbled each year to participate in the shopping spree, and was excited to have a moment with the kids as they enjoyed snacks and water in the area reserved for them by Subway owner Rob Gwozdz. Springfield High School student volunteers Mady Yackee and Harrison Schlachter helped shop and kept the kids occupied for us. I have to tell you, the fourth and fifth grade students were incredibly well behaved, appreciative and fun to be around.
Again, this year something special happened. A Walmart shopper at another checkout lane watched what was happening around him and stunned us by very privately sliding five $100 bills into the hands of our event organizer. In the past, we have had compliments and lesser donations to be sure, but somehow, this effort seems most memorable. Maybe because we had feared that our impact would be lost when the club dissolved. Maybe because we are individually and collectively still seeking that fleeting sense of ‘normal.’
Whatever the reason, I want everyone reading this column to learn of the random acts of both my fellow ‘do gooders’ and the strangers who walk among us. We don’t invite the media and really don’t seek attention for this effort. It’s never been about us. However, I do know that this won’t be the last time I tell people about the five hundred plus reasons that I had a great day.
