The Aquinas Interact Club in La Crosse, WI recently completed a two-year $10,000 service project by delivering 1,000 Coulee Region Care Kits to St. Clare Health Mission for distribution to the homeless population in La Crosse through the Rotary Mobile Clinic.
To launch the project, developed by sophomore Myah Wozney, Interact board members, with the help of their advisor, Michelle Skemp, wrote and secured a $2,500 grant from the Rotary Works Foundation. Student-led fundraising efforts further expanded the project’s reach and allowed them the opportunity to write and receive a Rotary District 6250 matching grant, doubling their impact and helping them purchase materials for the care kits.
The Rotary Mobile Clinic serves approximately 1,000 patients annually, inspiring the students’ goal to provide 1,000 cinch sacks containing simple medical supplies for treating minor injuries, basic hygiene products, and warm socks and gloves. Prior to purchasing these items, students interviewed physicians and the community’s homeless shelter leaders to help determine what items should be included to create the most positive difference for those experiencing homelessness.
“People might not be able to have access to hospitals or medical care. so being able to have items with them where they can try to help themselves is really important," said president of the Aquinas Interact Club, Grace Gagameier. “Through this project, we are able to provide these supplies to members of our community that may not have access to them during difficult times.”
By providing these kits, students hope to help prevent minor injuries and infections from becoming more serious health issues, while spreading compassion and awareness about the challenges faced by underserved individuals in the area.