Rotary’s pancakes for schools Feb. 19

Pancakes may only be a batter of milk, flour, eggs and other ingredients. But to children in the Washington school districts, the round, golden flapjack turns into much needed items, including shoes for gym class and glasses to better see homework assignments.

After the Washington Rotary Club held a pancake and sausage dinner in 2012, several local school districts used its portion of the pancake funds to purchase gym shoes so students would have suitable shoes for physical education class.

“Thank you for my shoes,” read one note from a student. “I absolutely love them! They are really comfortable and have my favorite color on them. I am very grateful for them and will make sure that nothing happens to them.”

Because the funds from the first pancake dinner have helped so many school-aged children, the Washington Rotary is ready to go back to the griddles to raise more money.

Now in its second year, the Annual Pancake and Sausage Dinner will be from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Five Points Washington.

Rotary President Matt Moehle explained that the money goes to lend a hand when teachers and administrators find a need and provides funds to solve some everyday problems.

Donated funds from the Rotary Club Dinner went to purchase items for students that ranged from shoes to eye glasses and groceries to school supplies.

In one of the districts, several families received grocery store gift cards for the purchase of a few family dinners after a comment was made about need, Moehle said.

In yet another, sets of eyes glasses, one for school use and one for home, were purchased so that school assignments and reading could be completed at no extra cost to families, he added.

Following the 2012 Pancake and Sausage Dinner, donations were made to District 50 Schools, Central Grade School 51, Washington Grade School 52, St. Patrick’s Grade School and Washington Community High School 308 in the amount of $1,000 each.

Funds were to be allocated for students through this financial hardship donation and, as of Feb. 1, nearly 75 percent of all funds had been expended.

“It is actions such as these and the thoughtful participation of so many families in Washington that make us very proud to serve as staff members in this great community,” said school officials in information provided by the Rotary club. “No one should have to go without and nowhere is this more true than in the educational process of our students.”

Though all donations were made in a confidential manner to families, school staff communicated with the building administration as to ways in which funds could best be spent.

Individuals may pre-purchase tickets in the offices of each of the schools or you may purchase tickets at the door.

Cost is $7 per family member, age 10 and over, $4 for children ages 5-9 and its free for children 4 and under.