Food insecurity in Ipswich and Rowley is a growing problem, compounded by job and income losses during the on-going pandemic. Too many of our neighbors cannot afford to buy good healthy food for themselves and their families. And, to make matters worse, donations to local food pantries tend to drop off after the holidays. So, this year, the club decided to move our annual ‘25 Days of Giving’ to January. Last month, Rotarians assisted several Ipswich families by delivering holiday dinner gift baskets from The Open Door food pantry. This month, Rotarians will have an opportunity to help The Open Door reach even more local families in need and put healthy meals on their tables this winter.
Food collection bags will be distributed at our first two meetings of the month, and also are available directly from Chris Davis. The most needed items include canned tuna, chicken and turkey; breakfast cereal, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, noodles and pasta, rice, mac and cheese, 100% fruit juice boxes, hearty soups, peanut butter and pancake mix.Reminder, no glass containers please.
As in the past, we rely of the generosity of every Rotarian to help to make this effort a success!
While Rotary meets virtually during January, drop off locations for the '25 Days of Kindness' have been set up at the Brookline Bank on Market Street, Bank Gloucester on High Street, and the Institution for Savings in Depot Square.
Donations will be accepted through Thursday, February 3.
The ‘Jingle Bell Walk’ is an annual gift to the town from Ipswich High School Interact, a school based club of community service minded young leaders that is supported by the Rotary Club and Ipswich High School. The event also receives strong community support, and this year’s generous sponsors are listed in the accompanying flier.
At this week’s regular Rotary club meeting, well-known Ipswich High School teacher Lori LaFrance introduced several of her students who are organizing an environmental project focused on electric car charging. The project, which has the support of the Superintendent of Schools, would add a charging station in the school parking lot on the High Street side. 
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