Skyline Middle School Joins Forces with Rotary Club for Wheelchair Project Fundraiser

Skyline Middle School, in collaboration with the National Junior Honor Society and the locals, embarked on a heartfelt mission from January 16-22 to raise funds to support individuals needing wheelchairs. The school community came together, hosting a Coin Drive that not only showcased the students’ initiative and creativity but also their commitment to making a difference.

Skyline Middle School National Junior Honor Society members Kaelyn, Carter, and Cortney. Their advisor is Sara Kenney.

The Coin Drive, aimed at collecting donations to fund wheelchairs for those in need, was a resounding success. Through creating informative flyers and a well-organized volunteer schedule to collect donations each morning, the school managed to raise an impressive $181. With each wheelchair costing $75, the funds raised by the students will significantly contribute to aiding individuals requiring mobility assistance.

This initiative is part of a broader partnership between Rotary International and The Wheelchair Foundation, which has been flourishing for years. Specifically, Rotary District 7570, encompassing Western Virginia and Eastern Tennessee, has actively participated in raising funds to send wheelchairs to various countries in the southern Caribbean and Latin America since 2012. The collaborative efforts have extended to Rotary districts 7610 in Northern Virginia and 7670 in Western North Carolina, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands across Latin America.

The impact of these wheelchairs cannot be overstated. In regions where healthcare systems are often overburdened and access to necessary medical equipment is limited, the donation of a wheelchair can transform lives. From a young soldier in Colombia to a mother in Jamaica and a double amputee in Guatemala, the stories of gratitude and relief are a testament to the generosity and spirit of the communities involved.

The Skyline Middle School community’s contribution is a shining example of how collective efforts can create significant positive change. The success of the Coin Drive is not just in the funds raised but in the awareness and compassion it has fostered among the students and the broader community. As Rotary members have often heard on their distribution trips, “Gracias, Que Dios les bendiga,” – “Thank you, God bless you.” This sentiment echoes the profound gratitude of those whose lives have been touched by these efforts, highlighting the far-reaching impact of generosity.