Evanston Rotary International spent the fall months working to benefit local elementary school children in Uinta County. Throughout October, Rotary members collected donations of “The Big 5” winter clothing items for school kids, including coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and gloves, to help those in need stay warm on the playground throughout the winter.

In discussions with principals and counselors at all four Evanston elementary schools it was determined this was a significant need, as every winter there are students without the necessary gear. Through donations to boxes throughout the community, Rotary was able to donate three complete sets of The Big 5 in assorted sizes to each elementary school, along with additional coats, hats, and gloves, that staff at each school can distribute to those who need them.

In early November, members of Rotary also visited all Uinta County elementary schools to distribute dictionaries to every third-grade student in the county. This is an annual project that Evanston Rotary has been completing for the past 15-plus years in conjunction with The Dictionary Project nonprofit, which provides discounted dictionaries to participating organizations to help get the books into the hands of kids.

This project fits nicely with one of Rotary International’s main projects — literacy around the globe. In the years Evanston Rotary has been involved, nearly 7,000 dictionaries have been put into the hands of local elementary students.

Local principals expressed their appreciation for the work of Rotary and the community supporting these efforts.

Clark Elementary Principal Kimber Fessler said, “I just want to express our gratitude on behalf of the students and staff of Clark Elementary. Every year we have students that are in need of the Big 5 and this project is tremendously appreciated. These contributions will keep our students appropriately dressed to enjoy the wintery Wyoming recesses.”

Brad Francis, principal of Uinta Meadows Elementary, said, “On behalf of Uinta Meadows Elementary, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of winter clothing and dictionaries to our third-grade students. Your support means the world to us, and it will make a significant difference in the lives of our students. Your kindness and generosity not only provide warmth and comfort but also remind our students that they are part of a caring and compassionate community. Thank you so much for your generosity and support to Uinta Meadows.”