My Nonprofit Reviews

This organization brings together some of the most resourceful and passionate people I have ever worked with and I am proud to be a part of something that has a sustained and lasting impact. Since its inception in 1922, the Hayward Rotary Club has led community building projects to improve the lives of all Hayward citizens.

My first hands-on project was the annual "Child Spree." Partnering with the Hayward Police Department's Youth and Family Services, JC Penney, and other local organizations and businesses, the Club provided a $100 shopping spree, as well as backpacks filled with materials for back-to-school, to 100 youth in need. My fellow volunteers and I showed up at 6:30am on a Saturday in preparation for the youth and their families. While the children shopped with a volunteer, the families participated in a community resource fair, making the event a truly collaborative project, spearheaded by the Club. It is difficult to overstate the impact that morning had on the children and families, whose smiles and laughter spoke volumes.

Time and again I am in awe of the level of dedication and selflessness exhibited by my fellow Rotarians. Everyone steps forward when it is time to roll up our sleeves and get work done, from providing all third grade students in Hayward with dictionaries to ensuring that homes are equipped with smoke detectors.

Finally, I have never met so many people willing to open up their pocketbooks when the need arises. At one of our meetings we were joined by the President of Mt. Eden High School's Interact Club, who shared the work his club has been doing in our community. He also shared that he was one of the youth chosen to participate in Rotary District 5170's "Vietnam Soccer Ball Project," bringing soccer balls to youth in Vietnam. While he had raised some funds to support his trip, he still had more money to raise. Spontaneously, the Club passed around a basket and, from the people in the room opening up their hearts and wallets, this young man added $805 to go towards his travel expenses. He was overcome by emotion and there was not a dry eye in the room.

I am currently one of the youngest members and am looking forward to many years of making positive change in this community with the Hayward Rotary Club.