The Rotary Club of Americus, in conjunction with other clubs in our District 6900, sought and received a disaster relief grant. Recognizing that the Southwest region of Georgia was hit especially hard by the Covid 19 pandemic, Mary Ligon of Albany led the effort to secure disaster relief funding to meet the needs of first responders, nursing homes, and others most affected by the effects of coping with Covid 19. Through this collaboration the Rotary Club of Americus has, so far, distributed 79 gallons and 230 (8 ounce) bottles of hand sanitizer, 220 face shields, and 25 N95 masks to the following agencies and organizations:Americus Police and Fire Departments, Sumter County Sheriff and Fire Departments, Sumter Emergency Management, Magnolia Manor, Perfect Care, Lillian Carter Senior Center, Sumter Retirement Village, Americus Welcome Center, Middle Flint Behavioral Clinic, Sumter Faith Clinic, and the Homeless Shelter operated through Friendship Baptist Church.All products distributed were purchased locally at TSG Resolute and Shiver Lumber and through Pretoria Fields Collective in Albany.

All recipients, whose work has been so intense and emotional during this pandemic, have been so appreciative to Americus Rotary for providing these necessary supplies and for demonstrating community concern and support of their needs.In a time when some usual vendors are not returning phone calls, agencies have made it clear that they don’t know what they would have done without the help of Rotary and other caring individuals and organizations.

Americus Rotary President Rene Smith, Service Project Director Kenny Phillips, and Club Foundation Chair Reda Rowell represented the club by making deliveries throughout the community.