2023 Year in Review
 
As the year draws to a close, the Rotary Club of the Caldwells looks back with pride on a year brimming with meaningful contributions and impactful actions. More than just a one-day affair, our club has been a steadfast force, dedicating countless hours and resources to serve and support various causes throughout the year.
 

Looking back, our achievements speak volumes: over $100,000 donated to an array of causes that have brought tangible change and transformation, not only locally but also in communities beyond our borders.

But it's not just about the monetary support. Our club has been hands-on, passionately involved in a myriad of volunteer initiatives. These endeavors have been pillars of support, demonstrating our commitment through dedicated time, collective effort, and unwavering dedication, impacting countless lives.

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells reminds us that the spirit of giving should transcend a single day—it's an enduring commitment, a year-round dedication to service, compassion, and unwavering support for our community.

We invite you to join us in this ongoing journey of meaningful giving. Those driven to continue this legacy, striving to make a lasting difference throughout the year, are welcomed to connect and become a part of our community, dedicated to fostering positive change every single day.

 
Become a Member
 
Are you ready to start serving your local community and have FUN while doing so! The Rotary Club of the Caldwells is a group of dedicated professionals & community leaders that live by the Rotary Motto "Service above Self." Learn more about how you can join us by clicking on the link above.
 
Donate
 
Your donation helps fund many projects that have a tremendous impact on our local community. For more information click "Donate"
 
Volunteer
 
Make a difference through service! The Rotary Club of the Caldwells can help you find amazing volunteer opportunities within our local community. We support many family-friendly projects and partner with several charitable organizations to maximize impact. Check out the link to the left for current volunteer opportunities.
 
Our Impact 2023
 
 
+$50K to Local Charity
 
 
23 Local Organizations Helped
 
 
+$10K in Scholarships 
 
 
+$20K to Support International Causes
 
 
 
Rotary News You Can Use
 
What's Happening!!!
 
The Rotary Club is buzzing with a multitude of impactful events and initiatives ahead. From the empowering Rotary Shark Tank, providing a launchpad for high schoolers to pitch innovative service projects, to Restaurant Week 2024, which supports local eateries while fundraising for community projects. As the holiday spirit approaches, the Club is dedicated to collecting toys for Toys 4 Tots, fulfilling wishes through The Caldwell Giving Tree, and offering donations to enhance life at the Arbor Glen Assisted Living Facility. They're also gearing up for Cycle for Survival 2024, cycling for rare cancer research, and continuing their meaningful partnership with Ethan and the Bean, driving social causes and community development.
 
Here's a list of organizations and causes we've supported this year:
 
 

Organizations and Causes:
Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell Fire Departments
West Essex First Aid Squad
Caldwell Senior Center
The American Legion
The Caldwell and West Caldwell Library
Alzheimer's Association
Back 2 School Store
Cycle for Survival
Ethan and the Bean
Dominican Republic Relief Organization
+$10K in Local Scholarships
+15K in Disaster Relief Efforts

Volunteer Opportunities:
Willing Hearts Consignment Shop
End Hunger
Americas Grow a Row
Habitat for Humanity
Project Prom Dress
Toys for Tots
Food Drives
Opioid Awareness Walk
Porchfest
Restaurant Week
Caldwell Street Fair 

 

The RCC partners with Rise to Shine Education Foundation

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells has been actively supporting promising students Hannah and Michael, who are making remarkable strides in their educational journeys. Hannah is entering her third term, marking her senior year, while Michael is embarking on his second term, demonstrating dedication and growth in their studies.

Emily Bakhita, the director at RTSEF, shed light on the progress of the foundation and shared an inspiring story about Hannah, the student proudly sponsored by the RCC. Emily recounted the challenges faced by women and children in Kenya's lake region, forced to resort to the distressing "Sex for Fish" trade to sustain their families at an alarmingly young age.

Despite these adversities, RTSEF stands as a beacon of hope, offering education to young women, empowering them with the necessary tools to forge a brighter future. With pride, the RCC continues to sponsor three children, ensuring four full years of secondary education. We eagerly anticipate the continued educational journey of all three students, as we stand in solidarity with RTSEF, contributing to the empowerment of Kenyan women and children for a more promising tomorrow.

Emily will be joining us at an upcoming Rotary Meeting to provide more updates! 

 

Spreading Joy: Rotary Club of the Caldwells' Toys for Tots Campaign 

The 2023 Toys for Tots drive turned out to be an extraordinary success, echoing the heartfelt generosity and community spirit that defines the holiday season. Spearheaded by the Rotary Club of the Caldwells, this year's campaign reached new heights of giving, thanks to the incredible dedication of Jenn, whose exceptional organizational skills ensured the campaign's smooth execution.

The outpouring of support from the community was nothing short of inspiring. John, Larry, and Scott went above and beyond by delivering an astounding three truckloads of toys to the Marine Corps at Picatinny Arsenal. Their contribution, along with the collective efforts of numerous individuals, businesses, and organizations, made a significant difference in brightening the holidays for countless children.

The Toys for Tots initiative, rooted in the Marine Corps Reserve's compassionate mission, has continued to uphold its legacy of spreading joy. What began as a simple act of kindness in 1947, with a handful of Marine Reservists collecting toys for local children, has blossomed into a nationwide movement. Its core purpose remains unchanged: gathering new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season and ensuring they reach children who may otherwise not receive gifts.

For the Rotary Club of the Caldwells, championing Toys for Tots embodies the essence of giving back to the community. Their active involvement in this program serves as a beacon of hope, fostering unity and sharing the warmth of the holiday spirit among children facing economic hardships.

This charitable endeavor aligns seamlessly with Rotary's principles of service, fellowship, and compassion. By embracing Toys for Tots, the Rotary Club of the Caldwells continues to exemplify its unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Their dedication ensures that every child experiences the magic of the holidays, regardless of their circumstances.

The success of the 2023 Toys for Tots drive is a testament to the power of collective goodwill and the unwavering commitment of individuals and organizations to spread joy and make a difference in the lives of children.