The Gate City Rotary Club of Pocatello recently had the dedication and ribbon cutti
ng for the Rotary Youth Closet project, a right-sized, well-outfitted quality shed, funded by District 5400 matching grant monies, that contains shelving and various sizes of plastic storage containers.
ng for the Rotary Youth Closet project, a right-sized, well-outfitted quality shed, funded by District 5400 matching grant monies, that contains shelving and various sizes of plastic storage containers.The project was first envisioned by club member Molly Swallow after a presentation to the club by Kent Hobbs, Pocatello School District #25 Director of Student Support Services. He revealed that there are over 170 homeless and at-risk youth in the school district. The need of these students for basic necessities of toiletries, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sanitary products, plus certain clothing and other essentials was an ongoing challenge to provide. Molly suggested applying for a district grant to help share in the finances needed to help accomplish the goal of having a place where students could acquire these essentials.
The shed is located in a secured area of New Horizon High School. District Community Resource Officers and various administrators organize the distribution of the contents as needed. A plan is in place to help replenish supplies when stock gets low.The Gate City Rotary Club is so thankful that the district offers the means to help provide the resources needed to serve others in the community of Pocatello and around the world.
Tim Bridges, President, Gate City Rotary Club of Pocatello