Rotary is Rockin' the Block!
Posted by Pat Korb
Photo Caption: L to R: Hazleton Rotary Club President Ron Avellino, Faith Assembly of God Pastor Sal Reyes and Rotary Club President-Elect Pat WardThe Faith Assembly of God, Inc. recently received $2,500.00 from The Rotary Club of Hazleton’s Community Grants Program. This money will be used for the Rockin’ the Block Community Outreach Backpack Project started by Faith Assembly Church in August 2006.
“Rockin’ the Block” is a community fair held at Pine Street Playground ...in Hazleton in August. The event features various events such as free haircuts, free family portraits, a prayer station staffed with people who care about individuals and their circumstances, free health screenings, encouraging-upbeat music, life coaches, a free meal for the entire family and school backpacks for the kids.
“It is, of course, of utmost importance that families send their children to school every year, but the expenses related to education increase yearly and it can be difficult for some families to handle those costs. We decided we wanted to do what we could to help area families cover some of these expenses”, explains Pastor Sal Reyes. “Backpacks are filled with school supplies and are given to disadvantaged children of all ages, kindergarten through 12th grade. In order to receive a backpack, a child must have a parent present at the Rockin’ the Block event for the registration process to determine if they meet the guidelines making them eligible to receive a free backpack.”
“We really appreciate the Rotary Club helping us “Rock the Block” with their very generous donation. It will mean so much to be able to reach our goal and fill and give away 1000 backpacks just in time for school.” adds Pastor Reyes
“Going to school is like going to your job-you need to have the right tools, in this case school supplies, to do it well. The Rotary Club is happy to help area youngsters start school prepared and ready to go. We especially appreciate that they are including kids from kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade.” explains Rotary President Ron Avellino.
“It is, of course, of utmost importance that families send their children to school every year, but the expenses related to education increase yearly and it can be difficult for some families to handle those costs. We decided we wanted to do what we could to help area families cover some of these expenses”, explains Pastor Sal Reyes. “Backpacks are filled with school supplies and are given to disadvantaged children of all ages, kindergarten through 12th grade. In order to receive a backpack, a child must have a parent present at the Rockin’ the Block event for the registration process to determine if they meet the guidelines making them eligible to receive a free backpack.”
“We really appreciate the Rotary Club helping us “Rock the Block” with their very generous donation. It will mean so much to be able to reach our goal and fill and give away 1000 backpacks just in time for school.” adds Pastor Reyes
“Going to school is like going to your job-you need to have the right tools, in this case school supplies, to do it well. The Rotary Club is happy to help area youngsters start school prepared and ready to go. We especially appreciate that they are including kids from kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade.” explains Rotary President Ron Avellino.