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Hazleton Rotary is proud to announce that they donated $2,000.00 towards the Aqua Caliente Global Grant which provides a complete water system for 290 families in need in Aqua Caliente, Guatamala.

President Donna Barna says, “Previously, Hazleton Rotary was able to sponsor 5 clean international projects, through a very generous donation by The Ballard Society. We are so pleased that we could help with this current project for those now in need.” She continues, “When people have access to clean water and sanitation, diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. This is important to everyone, everywhere.”

On December 24, 2020 (Christmas Eve) the $130,457 for this Global Grant was electronically deposited in the bank account established by the Rotary Club of La Antigua, GUA. Despite the many restrictions placed upon us by the Corona virus pandemic, it is a true testament to the perseverance of Rotarians in reaching the funding goal. When completed, this project will benefit 290 families (approximately 1,827 residents) by providing the funds for the materials required to construct a complete water system with spigots at every household, 290 gray water filters and 153 vented improved pit latrines for the families without these facilities. All labor to construct the project will be provided by the men and women in Agua Caliente, as construction has now started being overseen by our NGO Cooperating Partner, ABPD, and members of the Host RC of La Antigua, GUA.

The second approved Global Grant for the village of Paxorotot needs approximately $35,000 in contributions to fully fund its $107,258 budget. Now that we are in a new year, those clubs that were not able to generate the funds to contribute to Agua Caliente are requested to consider doing so for our second Global Grant.

When residents of the village were informed of the fund’s arrival, they expressed their sincere appreciation for this extraordinary “Christmas present” provided by the collective effort of many Rotarians. Following are some of their comments.

Oscar Santos Simón Roquel

“I am the president of Agua Caliente COCODE. Almost 300 families don’t have access to enough water in the community. We build our water system more than 30 years ago and it was designed for less than 200 families. Thanks to the support from ABPD and The Rotary Foundation our dream of having water is becoming true.”

Francisco Chalí Chonay:

“We have suffered very much because the lack of water, but with the support from The Rotary Foundation and ABPD we know the water access will be possible soon, the community families are anxious to start the work on the water system, latrines and gray water filters, all this will help our health, especially our children’s.”

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A Rotarian Tradition Continues

Since 1995 Hazleton Rotarians have been ringing the bell to support the Salvation Army's fundraising efforts in our community. The 2020 pandemic did not hinder our efforts! Thank you to those Rotarians who carried out this tradition!

Pandemic Doesn't Slow Down Rotarian Efforts to Provide Warmth to Area Children

Ever since the Kidz Coatz project took off in 2007, Hazleton Rotary has continued the work and effort put into purchasing and delivering winter coats to area children.

Even though most of the Greater Hazleton Area children are not able to attend school now, Donna Barna, Hazleton Rotary President, was bound and determined that those in need would receive these winter garments.

“The pandemic doesn’t change the fact that we still have area youngsters who need warm coats” says Barna.  “So, we had to improvise, but I’m happy to say we were able to complete the project this week.”

Working with local retailers, primarily Boscov’s, brand new coats were purchased for children in need from all elementary/middle schools in the Hazleton Area School District. 

Social distancing did not permit the usual grouping of Rotarians to sort and pack the coats, but Donna and her mother, Ethel Dougherty, did that part of the preparation and the following Rotarians, taking Santa’s place,  delivered the coats to local schools: Stephen Seach, Kim McNulty, Lani Drobnock, Mary Malone, Tim Genetti and Dave Haupt & Wife Mary Ann.

Because of the economy, the number of children needing warm coats continues annually.  Last year,  Hazleton Rotary  provided over 400 coats for area children, and this winter season more than 400 coats will be given to keep area children warm.

Coats were delivered to Hazle Township Early Learning Center, Arthur Street, Drums,  Heights Terrace, West Hazleton, Freeland, McAdoo Kelayres, Maple Manor. Valley Elementary and The Castle

“Hazleton Rotary is very pleased to be able to provide this service to the community again and we hope to be able to continue to do so yearly.  It does truly make you feel good to know we will be helping children keep warm during the upcoming winter.” comments President Elect Jason Brenner.

Holiday Beer & Wine Fundraiser a Success!

Cheers to our first Holiday Beer & Wine Fundraiser and the committee who put it together! Proceeds go toward community projects.

Holiday Shopping Spree Brings Joy to Area Children

“This is the ninth year Hazleton Rotary has undertaken the Holiday Shopping Spree which helps children in our area who might not have a Christmas/Holiday otherwise. As a Rotarian, I am very proud to be a part of this project! For the past nine years, with the help of Boscov’s Department Store, we were able to help 30 children, per year, in our community.” says project chairperson Kathie Oh.

“This year things were a little different.” she continues, “Normally, we took the children shopping, but this year the children gave us their “wish list” and Rotary members did the shopping for them, instead of with them. We did miss the children and their enthusiasm. It just made the Holiday Season so much brighter to see the look on their faces when they found the gift they were looking for or when they wanted to buy a gift for their Mom or Dad.”

Ms. Oh comments further, “I would like to say thank you to all the Rotarians and guests who helped this year: Nicole Skatuler, Michele Ustynoski, Donna Barna, Dave and Mary Ann Haupt, Michele Kushmeder, Sharon Mylet, Kim McNulty, Lani and John Drobnock. Lauren and Scott Sacco. Also, Kim from Boscov’s Department Store and all their employees and Pat Ward from United Way of Greater Hazleton, as well as, The Salvation Army, Catholic Social Services, United Charities and The Commission on Economic Opportunity.