VITAL PARTS OF OUR COMMUNITY

Many volunteers share their time, expertise, money, and energy to support the work of various groups in our community. These individuals improve our society. We, as a community, are fortunate to have such dedicated people. I want to recognize some entities that provide services and help throughout our area.

Zonta’s goal is to make the world a better place for women and girls. This work is accomplished through various programs, such as the annual summer camp (GRiTT) teaching girls building skills, and through scholarships available to women studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Rotary’s efforts are focused on providing services to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding of goodwill and peach through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. The group’s efforts include one of the largest toy and food drives: Bus Jam. This long-standing event supports families and children during the holiday season, as well as providing grants to non-profits serving the community, and scholarships to support continuation of education.

Local food banks distribute food to those in the community experiencing food insecurity, including preparation and distribution of regular meals.

The Lions Club serves those in need through several programs, such as their LEAP program which provides eyeglass assistance to ensure low-cost access to eyewear for adults and children. Their program ROAR assists the hearing impaired regain their hearing through access to doctors and equipment.

Local senior centers help seniors by connecting them to resources, providing safe and friendly community gathering spaces to enable social engagement and promote activities and events, supporting and maintaining this crucial component of a healthy and happy life – social connections.

The Boys and Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon is dedicated to helping all youth develop the qualities needed to become caring, productive, and responsible citizens. The Club provides activities to meet the needs of children in our community, across the diverse spectrum, such as sports, music, art, and technology.

Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAB) has a mission to make and keep the area beautiful. This grass roots effort holds regular second Saturday cleanups, drawing large groups of community members dedicated to keeping our community clean and thriving.

The American Legion works in our community to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities through devotion to mutual helpfulness. This organization expands that mission in many ways in our community including an annual event that gathers individuals to clean up the community.

Kiwanis have a focus to improve the world, one child and one community at a time. This vision extends into this community in many ways, one of which is scholarships to help students continue their education. This supports an improved trajectory in life.

Because of the tireless efforts and commitment of these groups and many others, along with those who volunteer with them, our community is a better place. One which we all enjoy. Thank you.

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

News Source : https://www.facebook.com/672903211665184/posts/736999851922186