At this week’s Rotary Club meeting at The Wallace Building, Lebanon Now joined members to share the stories of service that make Rotary such a vital part of the Lebanon community.
The meeting began with an update from Rotarian Melinda Fries, Administrator of LAF & Community Cares. She spoke about the Kicking Hunger to the Curb initiative, which is helping families across Laclede County during a time of growing need. The Lebanon Area Foundation is currently stewarding donations that support four local food pantries: Crosslines Ministry, Salvation Army of Lebanon, L-LIFE Food Pantry, and The Market at LifePoint.
With grocery prices climbing and changes to SNAP benefits on the horizon, many families are struggling to make ends meet. These pantries are meeting that challenge head-on. Through partnerships with Ozarks Food Harvest, every dollar donated helps provide approximately six dollars in food for local families. It’s a powerful example of how community giving multiplies when people come together.
Rotarian Beth Durreman then introduced guest speaker Cathy Qualls from Samaritan’s Purse, who shared about Operation Christmas Child. This global project sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world, each one delivered with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Volunteers play a vital role in this effort. At nearly 5,000 locations nationwide, they greet donors, pray over the boxes, and prepare them for shipment. In total, about 80,000 people serve during the collection week in November. Each shoebox is packed with toys, school supplies, and personal care items, often becoming the first gift a child has ever received. More than just a present, each box carries love, hope, and a reminder that someone, somewhere, cares deeply for them.
For those in the Lower Midwest region, Samaritan’s Purse operates out of their office in Blue Springs, Missouri.
The Rotary Club continues to be a place where service, leadership, and community spirit come together. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to make a difference, opportunities to join are always open. To learn more about becoming a Rotarian, contact Jase Glendenning, Melinda Fries, or any Rotary member.
At Lebanon Now, we believe stories like these deserve to be told. Community reporter Sarah Hampton is dedicated to sharing the good happening in Lebanon every day. If you have a story to share, email her at sarah@lebanonmonow.com.
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