CNLC Rotary: December Intensifies Local Service

**CNLC Rotary Club Concludes Extensive “December Rush,” Lays Groundwork for Ambitious 2024 Service Initiatives**

**CONROE, TX –** The Conroe North Lake Conroe (CNLC) Rotary Club concluded an intensive “December Rush” of community service, dedicating significant effort to a wide array of initiatives across the Lake Conroe, Conroe, Willis, and Montgomery areas throughout the month. This ambitious undertaking, which commenced in early December 2023, saw club members actively participating in multiple local service efforts, directly impacting hundreds of individuals and families during the holiday season.

“Our club truly embraced the spirit of giving this December, demonstrating Rotary’s ‘Service Above Self’ motto in action,” said Sarah Jenkins, President of the CNLC Rotary Club. “From ensuring children had nutritious food during the school break to honoring our veterans, our members showed incredible dedication and passion for our community.”

A primary focus of their holiday efforts was the “Backpacks for Kids” program. Collaborating closely with the Assistance League of Montgomery County, CNLC Rotary members packed over 500 backpacks. Each backpack was meticulously filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food items, designed to provide vital support for food-insecure students during the holiday period when school meal programs are suspended. These crucial supplies were distributed by December 8th to children identified as needing assistance across Conroe ISD, Willis ISD, and Montgomery ISD schools.

“The Rotary’s help with ‘Backpacks for Kids’ is invaluable, especially during school breaks when food insecurity can be heightened for many families,” stated Maria Rodriguez, Director of Programs for the Assistance League of Montgomery County. “Their partnership ensures that hundreds of local children don’t go hungry, allowing them to return to school refreshed and ready to learn.”

Beyond addressing immediate hunger, the club also committed significant time to the Salvation Army’s holiday efforts. Members took shifts bell-ringing at the Montgomery Walmart, gathering donations for the organization’s iconic Red Kettle campaign. Funds collected through these efforts directly support local Salvation Army programs, providing shelter, meals, utility assistance, and emergency relief to the most vulnerable residents in Montgomery County. Additionally, CNLC Rotary volunteers spent time at the Montgomery Food Bank, assisting with the crucial sorting of various donated food items and essentials to help ensure resources reached those in need within the community efficiently.

“Every bell-ringer, like those dedicated individuals from CNLC Rotary, makes a tangible difference in our ability to serve the most vulnerable members of our community during a critical time of year,” commented Captain Robert Davis of the Salvation Army. “Their volunteerism directly translates into hot meals, safe shelter, and hope for those struggling.”

On December 16th, club members participated in the annual “Wreaths Across America” event. Traveling to the Houston National Cemetery, CNLC Rotary members joined thousands of volunteers in placing evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves, a poignant and solemn act of remembrance and honor for fallen service members. The national Wreaths Across America mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach” resonates deeply with the club’s commitment to community and patriotism.

The “December Rush” also served as a productive planning period for 2024, with the club already laying groundwork for several ambitious future projects. These include the development of a sensory room for students at an underserved local special needs school, such as the fictional Evergreen Academy, aiming to provide a therapeutic environment that aids in the development and regulation of children with sensory processing disorders. The club is also planning the establishment of a community garden in partnership with the City of Conroe, which will promote healthy eating, provide fresh produce for local food banks, and offer educational opportunities.

A significant long-term goal is partnering with an organization like Homes for Heroes to build a custom-adapted home for a disabled veteran in the area. Furthermore, the club is organizing a broader “Conroe Gives Back” day, envisioning a comprehensive day of city-wide volunteerism and community improvement projects, indicating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of life in Montgomery County well beyond the holiday season.

“The momentum from December will undoubtedly carry us into an even more impactful 2024,” added club President Jenkins. “We are excited about these upcoming projects and invite anyone passionate about making a difference in our community to learn more about the Conroe North Lake Conroe Rotary Club.”

For more information about the Conroe North Lake Conroe Rotary Club, their projects, or how to get involved, please visit their website at www.cnlcrotary.org or search for them on social media.