KIMBALL ROTARY FIGHTS THE GOOD FIGHT

The Kimball Rotary sentiment is "We are neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world."

This low key organization is strictly a service organization, although it has international ties, the local Rotary has purpose and is the oldest service organization in town. It was started in the 1960s.

As Kimball Rotary president, Greg Robinson said, "I was raised to believe in public service and that everyone needs to do it." As former mayor and city councilman, Robinson has put his money where his mouth is. He served the City of Kimball for 22 years and has belonged to other service organizations, but nine years ago he joined Rotary.

Robinson's concern is the current Kimball Rotary has 20 "experienced" members and they are in need of younger members. "We need to start refreshing our membership, it is a challenge to keep members," Robinson said. "If we don't get a younger membership, then someday we won't exist and I don't want Rotary be like so many other service organizations that have become extinct."

A service organization can't serve without money, so for 10 days and 10 hours a day, the Rotary members work their biggest and only fundraiser. Although the planning starts in April or May, they sell fireworks for the July 4 celebration. According to Robinson, the members like selling the fireworks because they get to interact with the community in a unique and different way.

With this one main fundraiser, the Rotary supports a wide variety of people and causes. Their list of projects includes high school scholarships, donations to the food pantry, Goodhand Theatre and the community concerts. But perhaps their most rewarding project is the holiday meal baskets for between 60-80 families needing a special meal around the holidays.

Robinson said an unusual and longstanding project is the distribution of dictionaries to 5th graders in Kimball and Banner County Schools. "You would think that was no big deal, but those kids are very excited about getting a dictionary."

In addition, they organize a blood drive and have provided the labor and cement for new sidewalks in town and the list of projects goes on and on.

With COVID-19, the Rotary is planning to help sponsor high school homecoming activities on Sept 4. The football game is at 1:00, after the game, the Rotary will sponsor Homecoming Cruise Night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. They are encouraging everyone to get out the old vehicles and cruise the streets before the high school students attend the homecoming dance at 8:00 p.m.

So, if you are looking for a way to make a difference in your community? The Rotary meets weekly for a meal on Tuesdays at the Eagles. There are no requirements to become a Rotarian and it is open to both, men and women. Greg Robinson at Larsen's Jewelry Store would be happy to talk to potential Rotarians.

While, the local Rotary concentrates on providing services for the Kimball community, Rotary International's main focus has been the eradication of polio and providing fresh water to many African countries, Kimball Rotary contributes financially to those international projects.