Mack Beers called the meeting to order and administered the pledge.
Holy Homer Nye offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection. In these turbulent times, he reminded us to never give up hope and never lose sight of the fact that we as Rotarians are called to serve others.
Dan Rickard said the Christmas basket committee is very much in need of donations this year. CLICK HERE to shop or donated or CLICK HERE for the Christmas Basket Match form
Katy McCain is looking for volunteers to help with a modified version of the downtown light parade on Dec. 12. Contact her at katy@downtowntc.com for details.
Mack reminded everyone that time is running out to use your matching grant money. Contact Kathy Bussell for details. CLICK HERE for the MATCH form
He also informed the club that there will be NO MEETINGS on Dec. 22 or Dec. 29.
Ruth Blick introduced the speaker, Lt. Matthew Winters of the Salvation Army. Originally from Wisconsin, Winters now runs local Salvation Army operations.
Winters spoke at length about the Salvation Army, an organization dedicated to "Doing the Most Good" in communities throughout America and more than 130 countries across the globe. Locally, the organization (like most others) has been dealing with the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. While they've had to make several adjustments, Winters is proud to report that nearly all Salvation Army programs and services are still being offered to help people in the community. An example of an adjustment made is moving the M-W-F community meal outside to allow for more distancing.
Covid-19 has, not surprisingly, increased the need for Salvation Army services. Winters anticipates a 155% increase in need, and they've already served more meals since the pandemic began than all of last year. Winters also spoke of Pathway of Hope, a program he's particularly proud of. This program provides financial, emotional and spiritual assistance to families in an effort to break them out of cyclical/generational poverty. The goal is for them - and all others who interact with the Salvation Army - to know they are never alone.
For more information, visit https://www.