ITHACA ROTARY CLUB DONATES LINENS AND DIAPERS TO SAMARITAN CENTER

A recent grant of $1,000 allowed the Ithaca Rotary Club to purchase new blankets, towels and diapers to supplement donated items available to low-income families at the Samaritan Center. The grant was obtained from the Rotary District 7170 Foundation and was matched in part by local club funds.

Michelle Brichacek, Samaritan Center Coordinator, said that purchasing these simple tangible items "will be a great blessing to those going through a difficult time."  98 different families will receive a six piece  brand new towel set, while approximately  122 children will be able to have dry disposable diapers.  She also commented that new blankets will also be a great addition to the annual event Share the Warmth which is a joint collaboration between the Ithaca Rotary Club and the Samaritan Center.

Ithaca Rotary Club President Janet Steiner expressed her gratitude to the Rotary District for providing the funding. She said that Rotarians have been involved at the Samaritan Center for over seventeen years, helping collect and distribute used warm winter coats, bedding and personal needs products. She said being able to provide new bedding and towels to low income families, along with cartons of disposable diapers, was especially important because it reflected the humanitarian ideals of Rotary.

Items purchased with the funds are stocked in the Rotary Linen Closet at the Samaritan Center 324 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca NY 14850.