SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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John Little donated a case of bottled water at the first-ever One Stop Giving donation drive last Saturday. (John Little/Facebook) Sisters Acacia Wastchak, 17, and Lauryl Wastchak, 15, are both members of Saguaro High School’s Rotary Interact Club. They volunteered to load medical supplies this month alongside several Valley Rotary Clubs, including the Rotary Club of Scottsdale. (Bob Rink)
Scottsdale Rotarians help virus-ravaged Mexico BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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ecent Saguaro High School graduate Acacia Wastchak never met her grandfather, David Wastchak, who died before she was born. But that didn’t stop the 17-year-old from continuing his legacy as an impassioned, accomplished Rotarian. “My grandfather was actually a pioneer Rotarian in Arizona and was very big into everything Rotary,” Acacia said. “I feel very connected to him whenever I do things
with Rotary.” Acacia’s accomplishments as a teenage Rotarian run long. She joined the Rotary Interact District 5495 Council’s executive board as assistance district governor and also embarked on a short-term Rotary youth exchange to Ecuador for six weeks. High school may now be behind her, but Acacia’s work as a Rotarian is far from over. This month, Acacia, along with her 15-year-old sister Lauryl, helped the Rotary Club of Scottsdale load a truck full of
see ROTARY page 22
Scottsdale citizens open hearts for needy students BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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ista Del Camino and Scottsdale United Methodist Church joined efforts to host a no-contact, drive-through donation drive called One Stop Giving at the church June 20. The drive not only amassed school supplies and bottled water, but also raised about $1,500 in online donations and $400 in cash and gift cards the day of the event. The money raised will go toward purchasing clothing for students in need. “Anytime you can help Scottsdale citizens become more aware of programs benefiting less fortunate citizens, I would call that a success,” said Scottsdale Human Services Commissioner Denny Brown, one of the or-
ganizers of the One Stop Giving Day donation drive. Brown said that they collected a “massive amount” of school supplies, including new backpacks and hundreds of bottles of water for Operation Hydration, a water collection drive benefiting the Valley’s homeless population. “And I cannot forget the phone call from the Charros, indicating they were prepared to offer major assistance,” Brown added. “One phone call from the Charros really helps.” Scottsdale UMC Reverend Ann Lyter said the One Stop Giving event allowed the church to do two things: continue the work of the congregation in supporting their
see GIVING page 22
