<strong>From staff reports</strong>

The Rotary Club of Beaufort, like most membership organizations, had to cancel its annual Christmas dinner due to COVID-19 concerns. But the organization has, in turn, donated the funds that were set aside for the dinner to assist those community organizations that help those in need.

Rather than returning unused funds to its treasury, Rotarians voted to donate the money to four local charities they had previously supported with food donations.

A total of $1,400 was split among HELP of Beaufort, the Penn Center, the St. Francis Center, and Salvation Army.

At its Jan. 27 luncheon meeting, Rotarian Wanda Long, the Pastor/Administrator of the Beaufort Salvation Army, gave fellow Rotarians an update on how the local Salvation Army provides assistance in four counties – Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton – and the success of its bell-ringing fundraising efforts and Angel tree program.

Following her presentation, Rotary Club of Beaufort President Robert Bussa presented a ceremonial check to Wanda, which she accepted on behalf of the Salvation Army and the other three local charities.

The Rotary Club of Beaufort conducts “hybrid” meetings, with approximately half of its membership attending a luncheon meeting while the other half participates virtually via Zoom.

<em>Rotary Club of Beaufort president Robert Bussa presents a ceremonial check to Wanda Long, Pastor/Administrator of the Salvation Army of Beaufort. The amount shown on the check represents the total donation to four local charities that operate food banks – the Salvation Army, HELP of Beaufort, the Penn Center, and St. Francis Center. Photo by Jeff Johnson.</em>