The March meeting of the Eagle Rock Ruritan Club began with the traditional singing of “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” Chaplain Robert McRae led in prayer before the members and guests enjoyed a meal catered by Twink’s 220 Diner from Iron Gate. Three visitors were welcomed: Nellie Ward and her daughter Tina Underwood, and Shruthi Prabhakar.
Nellie and Tina gave a helpful update on the Toys-4-Bote-Tots Annual Drive. The drive has expanded to include toys, school supplies, coats, clothes, shoes, toiletries, as well as gifts cards for older kids. There are various fundraisers during the year, but the drive is concentrated beginning after Halloween and extending until school is out for the Christmas Holidays.
Countless individuals as well as organizations and businesses assist in this effort in taking care of families in Botetourt County. The Botetourt County Department of Social Services provides the drive with a list of the needs along with the wishes expressed by the kids who will be recipients. The goal of the drive is to provide moments of happiness, love, hope, and security. Nellie and Tina expressed their deep appreciation for all who contribute to make this annual effort a great success.
The other guest for the meeting was Shruthi Prabhakar, representing an ambassadorship program in the Roanoke Valley. This group of some 20 young people have an intense interest in science and they are available and eager to assist with science projects and other related school and club activities. Shruthi is a third-year med student in the Blue Ridge Health Program. She and others in the volunteer ambassadors program are serving as mentors for the Eagle Rock Elementary School Science Club. They are assisting the Eagle Rock Ruritan Club in planning the upcoming Third Annual Science Festival and helping students prepare science projects for the event to be held at the Eagle Rock Elementary School on May 3 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Science Festival is open to all for exhibits, food trucks, and games.
The club expressed appreciation to member Priscilla Vaughan for her leadership in replacing the sign at the Kanawha Canal Last Lock Historic Site.
The Eagle Rock Ruritan Club continues to offer the Eagle Rock Community Center for use by individuals and groups in the area. Reservations may be secured by calling 540-884-2775.
~ Eagle Rock Ruritan Club
