Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and Rochester Rotarians are always looking for ways to put those words into action.

While fundraising is an important part of Rotary’s work—including the upcoming Rochester Rotary Annual Golf Outing,  which helps provide grants to nonprofit organizations—Rotarians also believe in rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in hands-on service projects.

This week, Rochester Rotarians are doing just that by helping Neighborhood House prepare for its Blast Off 2 School event. Rotarians are packing school supplies donated by Rochester-area residents throughout the community.

Once all the supplies are collected, volunteers sort and organize them into bags containing grade-appropriate supplies. On Saturday, August 15, local children will gather at Neighborhood House to select a backpack and a school-supply bag filled with the items they need to start the new school year.

Rochester Rotary President Tami Salisbury said, “We like to say that Rotarians are people of action,” and this project is another great example of that philosophy in practice. By giving their time and energy, Rochester Rotarians are helping Neighborhood House make sure local children head back to school prepared—and with a little more confidence for the year ahead.

It’s service above self, one backpack at a time.