From Warm Meals to Global Impact: A Year of Service for the Wachusett Area Rotary Club
Sometimes the impact of a community organization is best measured in simple terms: meals delivered, families supported, students encouraged, and neighbors helped. For the Wachusett Area Rotary Club, 2025 was a year defined by community spirit, meaningful service and measurable results.
Serving Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, and West Boylston, the club focused its efforts on food security, education, basic needs, environmental responsibility, and global health.
By the numbers, the year included:
- 300 meals served through the Senior Community Meal Program, providing comfort and connection through breakfasts served at senior centers during the winter months.
- 200 turkeys distributed at Thanksgiving and 215 hams at Christmas, helping hundreds of local families enjoy holiday meals with dignity and warmth.
- Ongoing volunteer support at local food banks, assisting with stocking, sorting, and distribution throughout the year.
- $10,000 in scholarships, awarding four $2,500 scholarships to high-school seniors recognized for academic achievement, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to community service.
- More than 1,000 pounds of plastic collected, destined for recycling or conversion into benches to keep waste out of the ocean.
- 104 winter coats delivered to families to help children withstand the harsh New England climate.
- 250 blankets collected and delivered through a new Holiday Blanket Drive for seniors in assisted-living facilities, many of whom have limited family support.
- $6,000 contributed toward the construction of a medical clinic in Uganda, expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities.
These efforts are made possible through fundraising and community support, including:
- 100 golfers participating in the club’s annual golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg.
- Ducky-Wucky, a rubber-duck race on the Nashua River run by the Rotary Clubs of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, and Devens, with the Wachusett Area Rotary Club assisting with ticket sales and receiving a portion of the proceeds.
- Left Right Center, an annual fundraising event to be held February 6 at The Manor in West Boylston. For more information, contact Club President Savvas at 508-873-9836
The Wachusett Area Rotary Club extends its gratitude to its members, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. The accomplishments of 2025 reflect not only the dedication of the club but also the strength and generosity of the Wachusett community. With continued collaboration and commitment, the club looks forward to another year of meaningful service—locally and around the world.
To learn more about membership, our service projects, or how you can get involved, please visit our website: www.wachusettarearotaryclub.org