A publication of the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce

At the July 18, 2023, McRae Rotary Club meeting, members participated in a pop-up service project building Birthday in a Boxes for children residing at the WINGS domestic violence shelter (Women In Need of God's Shelter, Inc.).

 July’s Rotary theme is Maternal and Child Health. Each Rotary year also has a theme, which is chosen by the Rotary International President. This year, President Gordon R. McInally chose Create Hope in the World! He wants Rotarians to not only focus on promoting peace this year, but to focus our efforts on destigmatizing and promoting mental health. One of his examples was how young people have had their social networks uprooted as well as their educational and developmental paths interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. When thinking about how we could do a service project that focused on mental health for mothers and children, the Birthday in a Box Program came to mind.

 For parents and children living in a domestic violence shelter, their worlds have been uprooted. A mother has made the brave decision to remove herself and children from a dangerous situation, but they’re away from home, their normal lives and routines, social networks, and often must leave almost everything behind to get away safely. Mothers in this situation are often battling many emotions, such as grief and guilt, and might not have the resources for celebrations like birthday parties. Birthday parties provide the opportunity for reflection, celebration, and most importantly HOPE! WINGS gives these families a safe place to call home, direct services, and education while helping transition them out of a situation of domestic violence. We really enjoyed building these boxes and hope they bring a few displaced families the joy of something to celebrate!