The Power of Community: How Rotary and Rogue Valley Manor Are Helping Orchard Hill Elementary Students Stay Warm and Confident
In the heart of Southern Oregon, a quiet yet profound act of kindness is unfolding. The Rogue Valley Manor (RVM) Satellite Rotary Club has partnered with Orchard Hill Elementary School to address an essential need—providing students with emergency clothing and warm attire for the colder months. But this initiative is more than just about clothes; it’s about dignity, security, and community.
A Need Rooted in Resilience
Orchard Hill Elementary is no stranger to hardship. In September 2020, the devastating Almeda Fire tore through the region, displacing many families and leaving a lasting impact on the community. Even years later, families are still struggling to recover. Many students arrive at school unprepared for the elements, lacking warm jackets, clean clothes, or even a simple change of attire when accidents happen.
Recognizing this need, members of the RVM Satellite Rotary Club stepped in with a solution: a free clothes closet that would ensure every child at Orchard Hill Elementary had access to clean, weather-appropriate clothing, no matter their circumstances.
A Community United
The idea started as a simple discussion but quickly gained momentum. Al Densmore, Chair of the RVM Satellite Rotary Club, alongside dedicated members and community partners, reached out to the school and its staff. The response was overwhelming—teachers and administrators saw firsthand how something as simple as a warm coat or a fresh pair of socks could boost a child’s confidence and ability to focus on learning.
Through the generosity of RVM donors, the initiative raised nearly $1,000 in cash donations in 2024 alone, along with countless in-kind contributions of clothing. From warm winter coats to everyday essentials like socks, gloves, and shoes, the donations poured in, proving the power of collective goodwill.
Building the Clothes Closet
With funds secured and community support in full force, a dedicated space at Orchard Hill Elementary was transformed into a welcoming and accessible clothes closet. Rotary members and school staff worked together to organize donations, ensuring every item was clean, neatly stored, and readily available when needed.
But the project didn’t stop at just providing clothes. The RVM Satellite Rotary Club also committed to maintaining and restocking the closet throughout the school year, ensuring that students would always have access to the essentials, no matter the season.
Beyond the Basics—Restoring Hope
For the students of Orchard Hill, the impact has been profound. A child no longer has to shiver through recess without a jacket. A student who spills juice on their shirt doesn’t have to sit in discomfort for the rest of the day. A young learner facing instability at home can find comfort in a simple act of kindness—a fresh, warm outfit that reminds them they are cared for and supported.
Teachers have shared stories of students beaming with joy when they receive a brand-new coat, the weight of worry momentarily lifted from their young shoulders. Parents, many still recovering from the Almeda Fire’s devastation, have expressed gratitude, knowing their children are being supported by a compassionate community.
A Ripple Effect of Kindness
What began as a small project has grown into a movement of generosity and care. The RVM Satellite Rotary Club’s partnership with Orchard Hill Elementary is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common cause. It is a reminder that even the smallest gestures—providing a pair of warm mittens or a clean school uniform—can have a life-changing impact.
As the partnership continues into the upcoming school year, the Rotary Club remains committed to expanding its reach and ensuring no child at Orchard Hill Elementary goes without the essentials they need to thrive. Because at the heart of Rotary’s mission is a simple yet powerful belief: when we lift up our neighbors, we lift up our entire community.
And together, we make a difference—one child, one coat, one act of kindness at a time.
