Pensacola, Fla.–The Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola presented a District 6940 COVID Disaster Response Grant of $5,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds were used to purchase essential back-to-school items such as shoes, socks, and undergarments for Littles and their families. Local Rotarians joined BBBSNWFL on Oct. 8 and 9 to distribute the supplies to local Escambia and Santa Rosa County families.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic created financial and emotional stress on families who are trying to provide the essential needs for their children. This grant will ensure the Littles are starting the school year with the supplies needed. The Allstate Foundation was able to provide a package of school supplies to the Littles and their siblings. Also, through a partnership with Epps Christian Center, each family received a box of non-perishable food. BBBSNWFL is so grateful to have community partners that provide support to help navigate such an unprecedented and challenging time.
“Assisting local communities during the COVID-19 crisis was the purpose of the Disaster Response Grant from the Rotary Foundation and supports Rotary’s goal of improving daily life and creating lasting change across the globe” commented Area Governor, Mike Stahl.
“This year has been filled with challenges, and we are so blessed by the support we have been given through our community partnerships,” states Paula Shell, president and CEO of BBSNWFL. “The start of the school year looked very different this year and we wanted to ensure all of our Littles were set up to succeed. This grant allowed us to help alleviate the financial stress our families are facing. Through our partnership with our local Rotary District, Epps Christian Center, and a back-to-school supply drive by The Allstate Foundation, our Littles were able to receive the love and support they needed.”
Now more than ever it is important to come together. As an organization driven by one-to-one connections, BBBSNWFL has had to adapt in many ways due to COVID-19. If you would like to help during these challenging times you can visit, bit.ly/BBBSNWFL. Your gift helps to innovative ways to virtually connect current matches and support the growth of the organization through new matches