Carmel students pick the local non-profits they want to benefit

It's kind of complicated. The Rotary Club of Carmel Valley gives $1,000 to its local schools. But the money's not to keep -- it's for the students to allocate to the non-profits they think are most deserving.

So Carmel Middle School gave $1,000 to the Kinship Center; Tularcitos Elementary School $1,000 to the American Red Cross; Carmel River School $1,000 to the Make a Wish Foundation; All Saints’ Episcopal Day School $1,000 to Voices for Children, formerly CASA; and Junipero Serra School, $500 to First Candle and $500 to Meals on Wheels specifically for the Save Our Breakfast campaign.

The "Partners in Community Service" process, now in its seventh year, begins in January when leadership members at the five schools are provided $1,000 each by the Rotary Club. The students then begin a planned procedure to select recipients of the money. They learn first hand about the work of many local charities and non-profits and how to help them financially.

“Recipients are thrilled that there’s a whole new generation that’s becoming aware of the needs in the community and doing something about it,” says Rick Shea, the Rotarian in charge of the program. “I enjoy it because I get to see young people make decisions and form a consensus.”

“PICS cultivates that connectedness that children have to their community,” says Carmel River School Principal Jay Marden. “It also promotes their awareness of the good they can do in terms of having a direct impact on the lives of those who are served by the charities and are fortunate to receive the grants.”

Over the years, organizations chosen to receive the money have included Meals on Wheels, Dorothy’s Kitchen, CASA of Monterey County (Court Appointed Special Advocates), the SPCA, the Salvation Army, Shelter Outreach, American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society and First Candle.

To learn more about the project, watch this video:




Carmel Valley Rotary PICS from Rotary Carmel Valley on Vimeo.