A caravan of 10 Rotarians from Prescott traveled the 7-hour journey to Windowrock to personally deliver 38,000-pounds of food and cleaning supplies. Jonothan Nez, Navajo Nation President, personally received the supplies from a grateful people.

Prescott Frontier Rotary saw a need and went into action collected food and cleaning supplies. With just 3% of the state’s population, the Navajo people represent 25% of the Novel Coronavirus cases, and the death toll is rising. The problem is compounded by the remote access with 15,000 homes without electricity, 30% have no running water, all without access to a 9-1-1 safety system?

It started on Friday as the word spread. Prescott U-Haul gave their largest truck, and the first day, it was apparent a second truck was needed because of all the cleaning supplies and food being dropped off. “It was so emotional witnessing the generosity,” said Mike Payson, head of Rotary service projects. “I heard so often people didn’t need their government stimulus money, so they donated it to the cause. We collected over $11,000 in checks above the food last weekend.”

Over 47 Rotarians worked to gather donations collected at Watters Garden Center. “We couldn’t have done this without Watters,” says Mary Fusinski, 2020 club president. “Ken Lain and his team put us right in front of the store, you couldn’t miss the food drive. They donated their time, lots of shelving and racks to store all that food, thank you, Watters.”

Ten Rotarians, six tanks of gas, two blown tires, and seven hours of coffee later, the delivery team was delighted. “We arrived in Windowrock to find over 50 national guards ready to receive donations. What took us 3 days to load, took soldiers 3 hours to unload, WOW!” said Bob Joslyn, driver, and Rotarian. “We left Prescott at 8 am and didn’t get back until after midnight, but it was so worth the trip.”

Prescott Frontier Rotary rallies around a monthly service project culminating in a signature school fundraiser ‘Grapes 4 Grapes’.Because of this month’s service project, the Navajo people are safer. Pinterest Board of the Navajo Food Drive.

Globally, Rotary’s goal is to stamp out Polio and provide clean drinking water to every person on the planet. It’s the only organization that has ‘World Peace’ as a mission statement through its international student exchange programs. Brandon Montoya, past president says, “We welcome community members into the club. You just need a heart for your community, our nation, and the globe, plus like to hang out weekly with fascinating people.”

Starting July 7, Prescott Frontier Rotary meets for lunch every Tuesday from 12 to 1 pm at the Prescott Resort. They meet via Zoom until then; if you want more information, please join us via Zoom @ zoom.us/j/284093798.