Orem- Lindon Rotary Club members and UVU Rotaractors complete birthday kits and school backpacks to donate to Tabitha’s Way.
On Wednesday July 31, 2024. Utah Valley University (UVU) Rotaractors Stephan Atkinson, Christ Louyoko, Ana Caballero and I attended an Orem-Lindon Rotary lunch at Golden Corral. The purpose of this luncheon was for Rotaractors to take part in a service project that would provide birthday kits and school backpacks for Tabitha’s Way, a local food pantry. The organization was running low on birthday kits.
UVU Rotaractors assembling girl’s birthday kits.
Meticulously planned out and organized the tables were split between birthday gifts for boys and girls. Orem-Lindon Rotarians Debby Lauret and Cherise Armstrong bought items for the birthday kits. The process of putting the kits together began by dividing into groups. Around the table we created an assembly to ensure each kit was properly supplied with the items purchased. Ever thoughtful, Debby and Cherise had the foresight to buy theme matching gift bags, plates, napkins, party decorations, and toys to pair likeness with likeness. Stephan and Ana would start with the gift bags placing a box of cake mix and frosting into the bag before Christ and Sam would add the toys and party decorations. I would then add a book, candy, and review the bag to make sure all contents were included.
( L to R): Glen Ricks, Jim Lauret, Cherise Armstrong and Mack Spencer, Orem- Lindon Rotarians assembling school backpacks.
With this assembly line in place, we were able to finish the girl birthday kits fairly fast before moving on to assist in assembling the boy birthday kits and the school backpacks. The school backpacks included a pencil case, markers, crayons, pencils, scissors, ruler, folders, and glue. Assembling the kits created a final count 10 girl and 10 boy birthday kits and 20 school bags. Debby Lauret and Cherise Armstrong encouraged Rotaractors and Rotarians to look out for these items when we go shopping as this can be a service project we take part in year round. Project will be going all year long.
Stephan Atkinson, UVU Rotaractor and Cathy Ambrose, Orem-Lindon Rotary club member, poses for a picture with the completed kits and backpacks.
I had the chance to speak to Cherise about how amazing this service project was and how much I know they would mean so much to the children who receive them. I wanted to know more about ways in which I can help. There are two locations for Tabitha’s Way, one in American Fork and one in Spanish Fork. She informed me that they accept volunteers all the time, and she encouraged me to make a visit if I had the time.
( L to R): Janessa- Michelle Purcell, UVU Rotaractor, Cathy Ambrose, Jane Spencer and and Debby Lauret, an Orem-Lindon Rotary club members, review birthday kits.
Through the Student-Engaged Learning model at UVU, opportunities such as these service projects help me understand the ways that giving back to our communities make a difference. To play an active role in these ways allows me to donate my time and gives me the perspective that we should never neglect the needs of those in our communities. Fostering relationships with our communities through these service projects not only benefits our community but we as students at UVU are gaining skills that can be translated and applied to our career pursuits. This experience has been one of my favorite activities to participate in and I hope to contribute more kits and backpacks soon.
( R to L): Stephan Atkinson, Ana Caballero, Janessa- Michelle Purcell, UVU Rotaractors, Jane Spencer, Rotarian, Louyoko Nianza, UVU Rotaractor, Debby Lauret, Rotarian putting birthday kits together.
