Student pantries at South, Walnut Springs get upgrades courtesy of Rotary

Rotary Club of Westerville members joined Walnut Springs Middle School staff to make a meaningful difference on Friday, Jan. 3.

The team rolled up their sleeves to assemble and organize the Walnut Springs Wolf Pack Shack, a dedicated space filled with pantry items, hygiene products, and clothing.

This initiative is part of the ongoing Student Success Center Enhancement Project funded in part by a 2024-2025 Rotary District 6690 grant.

The Wolf Pack Shack aims to address a critical need: ensuring students have access to the necessities that support their well-being and academic success. From personal hygiene items to clothing and school supplies, the Shack serves as a lifeline for students who might otherwise face barriers to participation and confidence in school.

“Projects like the Wolf Pack Shack at Walnut Springs are about so much more than simply providing supplies. They represent a commitment to ensuring that every student can thrive, without unnecessary barriers,” said Brandy Deichert, 2024-25 President of the Rotary Club of Westerville. ”This project aims to help to give students the confidence and support they need to fully participate in their education and school life.”

The Broader Impact of the District Grant

This Walnut Springs Middle School activity is part of a larger initiative to enhance Student Success Centers at Walnut Springs Middle School and Westerville South High School. The overarching goals of the project include:

1. Providing easy access to essential personal care and school supplies.
2. Improving the school environment to foster student well-being and academic readiness.
3. Establishing a valuable resource for school counselors to connect with students needing additional services.

“When students have access to basic necessities, they can focus on learning and achieving their potential,” Deichert said.

Supported by contributions from the Rotary Club of Westerville and the District 6690 Grant, the project will positively impact more than 2,000 students across both schools.

Rotarians in Action

The project exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to hands-on service. Rotarians have been instrumental in every stage of the project, including:

• Planning and Coordination: Collaborating with school staff to design and organize the space.
• Setup and Assembly: Building shelves and organizing materials to ensure the space is functional and welcoming.
• Coming soon! Stocking and Maintenance: Providing the first round of supplies and ensuring the space is ready for student use.

Deichert promised more updates for the club as the student pantries service project progresses.

Photos courtesy of the Westerville City School District and Charlie Boss

The Rotary Club of Westerville

Founded in 1959, the Rotary Club of Westerville is a service club of business professionals and leaders working to improve our community and larger world. We are part of Rotary International. Find out more at WestervilleRotary.com. Contact the Club and learn how to join at www.www.westervillerotary.com/contact-form. Read more about the Rotary International organization at Rotary.org.

Interested in joining?

The Rotary Club of Westerville is accepting applications for new membership.

The best way to pursue membership is to contact an existing Club member, and attend one of our lunches or events as her or his guest. Members of the public also are welcome to attend our events on their own, to see what our service club is all about. If possible, please give notice of your intent to attend a luncheon or social by emailing WestervilleRotaryEvents@gmail.com.

We hope to see you soon!