Local Service Opportunities

• For general information re: service projects & volunteering, contact Susan Rack.
• For information re: environmental projects, contact Laura Walters and Richard Segan 
• For general information about international projects, contact Richard Segan.
• To email a project Contact person, click their name on the Club Leadership list on this website. If they are not listed, click Susan Rack (Service Cmte Chair).

Back-to-School Backpacks (August 2023) — filling backpacks with school supplies donated to Steps to Success and Eastern Service Workers Association. Details of items needed etc will be forthcoming, but items will be collected at the in-person Club Meetings at 1501 Beacon St. on 7/27 and 8/24 with final packing also on 8/24. Contact persons: Karen Jacobs and Mary Louise Piret.

Food Packing at Brookline Thrives (September 2023 through June 2024) —  every 4th Wednesday 6:45-8 pm help package weekend food for Brookline public schools students facing food scarcity. Held at Brookline Thrives, 218 New Terrace Road. Volunteer sign up lists will be available in late August. Contact: Phil Sandler.

Freshman BBQ Brookline HS (September 2023) — traditionally, Brookline Rotary has partnered with the PTO to welcome about 1,000 incoming freshman to Brookline High School with a fun-filled barbecue and event before their Orientation starts.  

Dog Day 2023  (October 22, 2023) — a fun, family event with local vendors and non-profits, a Halloween Costume Competition, a Demonstration by the Brookline Police K9 Unit, a Frisbee demonstration by Flying High Dogs, and a shelter showing dogs awaiting adoption. A portion of the proceeds donated to Fidelco, a non-profit that trains guide dogs to donate to the blind. To be held the Brookline Avenue Playground/ raindate Oct 29th. Volunteer sign-up lists will be available as the date approaches. Contact Co-Chairs: Susan Rack and Paul Saner.

Holiday Gift Giving (November/Deccember 2023) — partnering with the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, Rotarians are paired with gifts requests for children and purchase the gifts and wrapping paper. These are donated to the Center where parents can wrap the gifts themselves for their own children. 

Blanket Project (on hold January 2024)— making flannel blankets to donate to the Linus Project or other charities for children and/or the elderly.  Details and contact person to be forthcoming.

Healthy Cooking Classes at the Teen Center (February to June 2024) -- weekly cooking classes with middle schoolers and high schoolers every Friday 2 to 5 pm at the Brookline Teen Center.  Volunteers to assist BU Roteract & BU Occupational Therapy students in this project. Contact: Susan Rack

Marathon Monday (April 2024) — each year Rotary provides food and refreshments for attendees of the Marathon — April 15, 2024, usually held 40 Webster St, in front of Courtyard Marriott. Collections for the Special Olympics are usually made. Contact person TBA.

Rotary Day of Service & Brookline’s Annual Spring Fest (May 2024) -- a major town wide event with a variety of groups participating coordinated by Brookline's Department of Parks and Recreation. Details and Date/time TBA. Contact: Susan Rack.

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) (June 2024) -- unique opportunity for 200 high school sophomores sponsored by 50 Rotary Clubs to come together for a weekend of challenging and enriching activities to cultivate fellowship and learn skills. Volunteers welcome. Contact: Jim Feldkamp.