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The Allentown Rotary Club has a Partnership with Union Terrace Elementary School
The Allentown Rotary Club has a partnership with Union Terrace Elementary School and has completed several projects supporting this inner-city school over the past several years. In 2019, the 5th grade Student Council at Union Terrace Elementary School proposed a Legacy Project to give all students in their school a safe and inviting environment at recess.
In conjunction with their 5th-grade teacher, they wrote a grant request submitted through the Allentown Rotary Club’s Community Service Grants process. The club, in turn, sent it to District 7430 for a matching grant and secured $1,750 toward the project, which totaled approximately $6,000.
Union Terrace requested money to purchase and install Buddy Benches. This would be important so that at recess, students would have a place to go when they feel left out, and others can befriend them. A Buddy Bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. It spreads the message of inclusion and kindness.
Also, the Union Terrace playground did not have any picnic tables, so children who do not do well with the over-stimulation of outdoor recess had no place to spend recess. With tables, they could have the option to draw or color and have a place to share with others who have similar interests. It would also help those with physical limitations.
The Buddy Benches and picnic tables were installed in July. One bench will have a plaque recognizing the club’s support. When the schools open, and social distancing and other restrictions allow, we will have a dedication ceremony.
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Its mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. The Allentown Rotary Club was founded in 1914 and has served the Allentown community for more than 100 years. During the current pandemic, the Allentown Rotary Club remains active, and its members continue to meet by means of videoconferencing.
Information provided to TVL by:
Rosaria M Stoops
Allentown Rotary Press Liaison
