Danville San Ramon Rotary Newsletter

August 2026

Service in Action: 121 Backpacks Delivered to SHELTER, Inc.

Another successful Backpack Project is in the books! On Friday, July 31, more than 20 Rotarians, family members, and friends gathered to pack 121 backpacks filled with school supplies for local students served by SHELTER, Inc. The following morning, volunteers loaded up their vehicles and delivered the backpacks to SHELTER, Inc. in Concord.

The completed fully -stocked backpacks were valued at $4,200, with our Club Foundation providing $3,000 for supplies and members contributing another $1,200 through individual backpack sponsorships. This project is a wonderful example of turning our fundraising dollars into direct community impact.

Funding for education-related grants and projects like this one is made possible in large part through our annual Auction for Education coming up on November 1–9.

A special thank you to Allen Mueller for once again leading this project, and to the many members, family, and friends who sponsored, packed, and delivered backpacks. Your incredible support made it a tremendous success!

Rotarians Bring the USA to Life at Greenbrook Elementary

More than 20 Rotarians, family members, and friends came together on Saturday, August 8, to add a colorful new USA map to the playground at Greenbrook Elementary School.

Over four hours, the group worked together to transform the blacktop into a bright, engaging map that students can enjoy for years to come. The timing made the project even more fun, as local Cub Scouts were holding an event at the school that morning. Kids and parents stopped to admire the progress, thank our volunteers, and share how much they loved the new addition. A few young community members even picked up paintbrushes and joined in the fun!

The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club has painted numerous USA maps at elementary schools throughout the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. A special thank you to Daniel Kodam for his continued leadership of this project and for helping bring these colorful maps to our local schools.

Funding for projects like this one is made possible through proceeds from our Auction for Education, which returns November 1–9 each year.

Join Us — Be Part of the 2026 Online Auction for Education (Nov 1–9)

In partnership with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, all proceeds from the annual on-line Danville San Ramon Rotary Club Auction for Education are directed exclusively to educational programs and initiatives that create meaningful, measurable impact for all learners, regardless of age, and foster lifelong learning.

In fiscal Year 2025–26, the Auction for Education raised over $82,000 — and every dollar was reinvested directly into education, locally and around the world. Some examples of what was funded include: San Ramon Valley Education Foundation fulfilled 100 grant requests from local teachers within SRVUSD; scholarships were given to graduating seniors; including support for a college student currently in foster care and five Rotary Trade Grants helped community college students learning trades that lead to careers. 

The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club continues its long-standing support of Trinity Center with two meaningful contributions this month.

In partnership with the Rossmoor Rotary Club, our club provided a $4,000 collaborative grant to help launch Trinity Center’s new Computer Literacy Program. The grant funded 20 laptop computers, software licenses, and a secure charging cart, giving clients the tools to build essential digital skills that can support employment, education, housing resources, and greater independence. In recognition of the partnership, Trinity Center has named the classroom the Technology Center, with attribution to both Rotary clubs.

Special thanks to Carolyn Hinrichs, Daniel Kodam, and Allen Mueller for their leadership in bringing this project to life.

Later that week, our club delivered 2,000 pairs of new Bombas socks to Trinity Center, continuing an annual tradition coordinated by Colette Lay.

We’re proud to support Trinity Center and the important work they do for adults experiencing homelessness in our community.

Rotarians and non-Rotarians are welcome! Learn more and reserve your spot through our SignUpGenius link.

Bounty Garden Build Project - Saturday, August 22, 8 to 11 am

Join us for a hands-on morning to build and assemble project components for The Bounty Garden, which grows and donates fresh produce to local families experiencing food insecurity. No special skills are needed, and all tools and materials will be provided.

🔗 Sign Up Here

Sunflower Hill Gardening Project – Saturday, August 29, 9 am to 12 pm

Get your hands dirty and make a difference at Sunflower Hill, helping with gardening projects that support programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Enjoy a rewarding morning of service, fresh air, teamwork, and fellowship.

🔗 Sign Up Here

Food Bank Packing Event – Thursday, September 10, 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Join Rotarians for a rewarding afternoon of service at the Contra Costa & Solano Food Bank in Concord. Together, we'll sort, pack, and box food donations to help provide nutritious meals for individuals and families throughout our community. After the event, those interested are invited to enjoy pizza and fellowship at Melo's Pizza & Pasta in Danville.

🔗 Sign Up Here

GLIDE Lunch Service – Saturday, September 19, 9 and to 3 pm

Join fellow Rotarians to serve lunch at GLIDE in San Francisco, helping provide a warm meal and welcoming experience for those facing food insecurity. Volunteers will assist with meal service, food prep, bussing tables, and cleanup. We'll meet at Pleasanton BART at 9 am, with an optional lunch together afterward, returning around 3 pm.

🔗 Sign Up Here

Rotary Home Team – Saturday, September 26, 8:30 to 11 am

Join fellow Rotarians and volunteers for a hands-on morning helping local seniors stay safe and comfortable in their homes. Projects may include minor repairs, yard work, moving items, and other simple home safety tasks. No special skills are required—just a willingness to lend a hand! 

🔗 Sign Up Here

These opportunities highlight Rotary’s commitment as People of Action—showing up, lending a hand, and making a tangible impact close to home.

August is Rotary’s Membership and New Club Development Month, a time to celebrate the people who make Rotary what it is. Membership is more than belonging to a club. It’s about building friendships, sharing talents, serving together, and creating meaningful change in our communities and beyond.

Want to be part of making an impact? We invite you to learn more about Danville San Ramon Rotary, join us at a meeting or service project, and discover the many ways you can connect, serve, and make a difference.

To learn more about the Rotary Foundation click here.