For more than a century, Rotary clubs around the world have brought people together around a simple idea: building relationships while finding ways to serve others. Here in Hazlehurst, that mission is carried out through projects that directly touch local children, families and organizations. August is recognized by Rotary as Membership and New Club Development Month, making it a fitting time to take a closer look at what the Hazlehurst Rotary Club does — and why its members say there is always room at the table for others who want to serve.
The club meets each Wednesday at lunchtime at Village Pizza in Hazlehurst, where members gather for fellowship, hear from speakers about what is happening in the community and plan upcoming service projects.
Rotary began with the vision of Chicago attorney Paul Harris, who organized the first Rotary Club meeting on February 23, 1905. His idea was to bring professionals from different backgrounds together to exchange ideas and develop meaningful friendships. That vision eventually grew beyond fellowship into humanitarian service, with Rotary members addressing needs in their own communities and around the world.
In Hazlehurst, much of that service stays very close to home. During today’s club meeting, members reflected on the many projects the Hazlehurst Rotary Club supports throughout the year. Among those efforts are Coats for Kids, Special Olympics activities, Christmas assistance for special-needs students, scholarships for graduating seniors and support for local senior citizens. Members also volunteer and provide financial assistance to other community programs as needs arise.
The club’s annual golf tournament is one of its primary fundraisers, helping provide the money needed to continue many of those projects. But members emphasized that Rotary isn’t simply about writing checks. It is also about showing up.
Dr. Chris Roppe, Superintendent of Jeff Davis County Schools told members that a significant portion of the club’s work directly or indirectly benefits local students and thanked Rotarians for the difference those efforts make. He recalled seeing the reaction of a child receiving a coat who did not have one — and noted that service like that can have an impact even when those providing it never receive recognition. Roppe stated, “Y’all are changing lives, and sometimes y’all don’t get recognition for that.” The message reflected a recurring theme throughout the meeting: small acts of service can have a very large impact in a small community.
Members also acknowledged that Hazlehurst Rotary may not have the membership numbers or resources of clubs in cities such as Atlanta, Augusta or Savannah. But they don’t believe that makes its work any less important. One member pointed out that many communities of similar size don’t have an active Rotary or civic organization at all, adding that the commitment shown by Hazlehurst’s relatively small group is something worth recognizing.
The club currently has about 20 active members and is working toward growing that number, according to discussion during the meeting. Members said increasing visibility and helping residents better understand what Rotary actually does could encourage more people to become involved. And that may be especially fitting during Membership and New Club Development Month.
For Hazlehurst Rotary, growing the club isn’t simply about adding names to a membership list. More members mean more hands to serve, more ideas around the table and a greater ability to respond when someone in the community needs help.
More than 120 years after Paul Harris first gathered a few professionals together in Chicago, the idea behind Rotary remains remarkably simple: Build friendships. Bring people together. Find a need. And serve. In Hazlehurst, that work continues every Wednesday — and throughout the year — one local project at a time.
