The Melissa Rotary Club and local volunteers supported the community and City Parks Department by spreading huge piles of new mulch under playgrounds and trees.
Melissa Rotary sponsors quarterly social opportunities for people of all ages to build relationships with senior members of the Melissa Community at the Gala Apartments.
Rotarians from across District 5810 came together on Aug. 21 for the 2025–2026 Emerald City Awards Gala, an evening of fellowship, celebration, and recognition. With the theme “There’s No Place Like Home,” the event was a fitting tribute to the people and clubs that make Rotary such a special part of communities throughout North Texas.
Among those honored was Mike Schell of the Melissa Rotary Club, who received a Star Award for his outstanding work leading the club’s Flag Lease Program.
Nothing beats a cold popsicle after hours out on the field, and our Melissa Rotary volunteers were thrilled to bring a little relief to our Melissa marching band members recently!
Six of our Rotarians jumped in to hand out cool treats to a bunch of very happy musicians as they wrapped up practice. It was a joy to see those smiling faces and to support the students who bring so much energy and spirit to our community.
Thanks again for bringing treats for our band! It was great to meet you and the folks from Rotary and I’m glad to hear that y’all would be interested in future opportunities."
— Melissa Band Boosters
Club members gathered this week to hear guest speaker Amanda Mota share an eye‑opening look into the global hunger crisis and the powerful work being done by Rise Against Hunger. With passion and clarity, Ms. Mota explained how the organization’s mission goes far beyond providing meals — it’s about creating sustainable, long‑term solutions that help communities break the cycle of poverty.
She highlighted staggering realities: millions of people worldwide face food insecurity every day, yet simple, coordinated volunteer efforts can make a measurable difference. Rise Against Hunger’s meal‑packing events transform raw ingredients into shelf‑stable, nutritious meals that are shipped to schools, clinics, and crisis‑relief sites around the world.
But the heart of the message was empowerment. She emphasized that volunteers are the engine behind the organization’s impact. Whether packing meals, fundraising, or spreading awareness, every contribution helps move the needle toward a world without hunger.
How Volunteers Can Get Involved
Ms. Mota closed her talk with a challenge: “If you have an hour, you can help. If you have a voice, you can lead. And if you have a heart for service, you can change lives.”
Her message left the audience energized and ready to take action — a reminder that ending hunger is not only possible, but something we can all help achieve. Melissa Rotary is taking action. Logistically, a meal packing takes months to organize. We’ve allocated funds in next year’s budget, and the Service Projects committee has already started planning for the event in early 2027. More information to come as plans finalize.
The Melissa Rotary Club's Service Projects Committee is kicking off the 2026–2027 Rotary year with an ambitious schedule of 17 service projects led by Chair Brian Kirkpatrick. From annual traditions to exciting new initiatives like Rise Against Hunger, members will have countless opportunities to live out Rotary's motto of Service Above Self.
