A Visit From Major Schmig!

On August 1, 2015, Rotarians from the four local Rotary Clubs joined forces for day two of their work project at Town and Country Elementary School.  The work involved the installation of rubberized mulch, playground equipment and toys to be used for the school’s new pre-school program as well as the school’s special needs students.

Rotarians were also introduced to Alice Ballard, one of this year’s Rotary youth exchange students.  Alice, who is from Brittany, France, was encouraged by her parents to participate in the exchange program.  She will be here for one year and will attend Buena High School.  Alice studied economics and sociology at home, and enjoys horseback riding, piano and Zumba.

The keynote speaker for this week’s meeting was Major Bob Schmig, of the Salvation Army.  Major Schmig updated the Club on the Salvation Army’s recent efforts and highlighted some of its accomplishments from the past years.  Major Schmig explained that utility assistance provided by Salvation Army has increased 8.0% since 2007; provision of clothing has increased by 26%; the provision of hot meals and food boxes increased by 9.0%; and Christmas toy deliveries have increased by 30%.

Major Schmig described the Salvation Army’s efforts to assist families, including the weekly Thursday supper club meal, which the Salvation Army hosts in addition to regular feedings.  The emphasis for the supper club meal is on family togetherness.  Major Schmig explained that while some services provided require proof of residency, its hot meals program does not, and that its goal is to get people a hot meal.

Major Schmig concluded by providing an update on the status of the Salvation Army’s new building, which will be built near its existing facility on Sierra Vista’s west end.  Te New building will be nearly ten thousand square feet and will allow the Salvation Army to expand the services it provides, which he hopes will include twelve step programs, children and single mother support, and other programs.

For more information regarding the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista, please contact President Emily Scherrer at www.rotarysv.org.