Every night on the evening news we bear witness to the destruction, devastation and despair in the Ukraine. There has been a groundswell of support from organizations across the United States and globally to raise funds for Ukrainian relief. Among those who have rallied for this cause are Rotary Clubs in southern Vermont and southern New Hampshire. To date, Rotary District 7870 haveraised over $150,000 to support these efforts.  

Rutland South Rotary (RSR) Club is joining their Rotarian counterparts by having a “Unite with Ukraine” Coin Drop, Saturday, May 21, from 9am-1pm, on upper Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland. Rutland South Rotarians will be lining the street with buckets in hand to collect your donations. Please look for small Ukrainian flags and sandwich board signs strategically placed on the corners of Merchants Row, West and State Streets. In addition, Rutland South Rotarians will be passing out special cards with a QR code that will enable you to donate directly to Rutland Rotary South’s website to support Ukrainian relief. They will also have a table at the Rutland County Farmer’s Market displaying a large Ukrainian flag. This event will go on rain or shine. 

All funds raised from the coin drop will go to purchase medical equipment and treatment, shelter, and food for Ukrainian refugees. 

According to Rutland South Rotarian Carolyn Crowley Meub, “Many people want to make donations to help the refugees from war-torn Ukraine, but do not know where. They want to know that their contributions will be used for helping the refugees. 100% of the proceeds from Coin Drop will go support the needs of mostly displaced women and children.”

So, gather that loose change from your purse, behind the sofa cushions, or under the car mat, and bring it to Rutland South Rotary’s “Unite with Ukraine” Coin Drop, Saturday, May 21, 9am-1pm, on Upper Merchants Row, Downtown Rutland and at the Rutland County Farmer’s Market. This is your opportunity to contribute to a global effort in helping to lessen the suffering of Ukrainian Refugees.

This year, in lieu of our in-person raffle, the Rutland South Rotary Club will be raffling off a BRAND-NEW CAMPER!  This will not replace our beloved raffle and fundraiser, which we will reinstate once it is safe to do so.  In the spirit of Rotary, and being "People of Action", we're taking this opportunity to try something new, and hopefully raise some much-needed funds for the youth in our community!  We were lucky enough to partner with a long-time friend of Rotary, Dan Kearney of Dan Kearney's RV and Lightweight Towables, who has hooked us up with a BRAND NEW, 25'10" Riverside Retro travel trailer.  This is a lightweight, half-ton towable, with an MSRP of $33,500.  It sleeps four, is fully self-contained with a full-size bathroom, gas/electric refrigerator, microwave, and queen bed.  In addition to the interior features, there are outdoor conveniences too, including a shower, awning with stabilizers, and outdoor speakers for your favorite tunes!  Whether you're a camper or glamper, taking vacation or stay-cation, this is the perfect, lightweight, compact trailer for you to enjoy with the family; or perhaps to even take a break from the family… 

The Rutland South Rotary Club supports the youth in our community, and with your help, we'll help ensure every child has the same opportunities to learn and engage, whether learning in school or remotely. 

Tickets will be available soon!  For $100, you can WIN BIG with this compact travel trailer!  But wait! There are cash prizes too; we'll also be giving away a 2^nd prize of $1,500, 3^rd prize of $1,000, and 4^th prize of $500 CASH!  A limited number of tickets will be sold, and the drawing will take place March 17th, 2021--St. Patty's Day! 

To purchase a ticket online, using your credit or debit card, click here!

To take a tour, click here! To view more photos of this beautiful home away from home, click here!  For questions, or to set up a tour, feel free to reach out to our resident camper-guru,

Roger Louiselle, at 802-236-7713.

To read our recent publicity in the Rutland Herald, click here!

To read our recent publicity in the Mountain Times, click here!

**Winner must take possession and complete necessary paperwork for the transfer of RV within 15 days of drawing.  RV is FOB Rutland, VT.  Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes, title, and registration; subject to all applicable laws for charitable raffles.  

Hi Roger and Rutland South Rotary,

Thank you so much for dropping off the additional 600 masks this morning!!  The Rotary has donated a total of 1700 masks.  I can not express my appreciation enough!!!

Our customers have been very grateful.  A majority of our customers have been re-wearing their one-time masks so much that they have worn holes in them.  These masks will help them out tremendously.

We are distributing the masks in packs of 10 to each household.

One Mom shared that she has 3 kiddos in school and masks are costing her $10 every 3 days.  She said this would help out alot!!

Another Mom shared that she had used her last few dollars for gas so that she could come to The Cupboard for food.  She continued to say that she has had to choose between buying clean masks for the family, gas or food but not all three.  She was extremely grateful for the 2 packs of masks we were able to give her because of the Rotary's generosity!!!

We had a gentleman today that was wearing a mask with only 1 strap so he had to keep holding it in place.  The masks he received will go to good use!

Please thank everyone for me!!!

Rebekah Stephens  

Executive Director

Rutland Community Cupboard

65 River Street, Rutland, VT 05701