Paying it Forward: Why? Because we can #115
Wishing you and your family a glorious Mother's Day, acknowledging the care, love and guidance that made us who we are. Peace be with you.
Jack Browne, published Wichita Falls Times Record News, May 11, 2025
We help others because they need our support.
On May 3, 30 people joined in preparing 800 US flags for display at area homes, businesses, and schools.
Road to College students, mentors and parents joined Southwest Rotarians in checking that each flag was ready for Memorial Day weekend display.
Why?
Service, as these flags will delight subscribers.
Camaraderie, as the Road to College participants will be the community leaders in just a few years.
Rotarians come from all areas of our community.
The connections from working together on flag projects last a lifetime.
Throughout Wichita County five different Rotary clubs distribute three thousand flags in Wichita Falls, Burkburnett and Iowa Park.
Each club partners with different organizations to place and retrieve subscriber flags.
The why is deeper than just placing a flag.
Over two hundred non-profits improve lives throughout the county.
They need funds for their missions.
Subscriber payments are shared providing services, scholarships and food for veterans, youth, adults and public servants. Funding safe playgrounds, meals, books, buddy benches, music lessons, even a new K-9 officer one year -- these grants improve lives, making our communities stronger.
The Road to College students and Southwest Rotary efforts also fund lunches for 90 middle and high school students during a summer academic session.
Students meet three days per week over a six-week period hosted at Midwestern State University. Cohorts are organized by grade and sex with a curriculum of four different segments: academic enrichment, supportive guidance, nutrition, and fitness.
Academics include math, science and English content from the grade they will attend in the fall with progress compared as the session begins and ends.
Ten years of student results shows excellent academic success. Adults are excited to see the interest, effort and energy of those young adults who in another decade will be community leaders.
No one is successful without the support of other people. Sometimes we ask for help. Sometimes others help without being seen. We can, we do, and we make a difference while building a better world. Students learn life lessons.
Some folks are tightening belts and cutting spending. Others face extra challenges with food, housing and fees for education.
Rotarians put out flags believing new subscribers will step up so our many non-profits can meet the needs. Babies, students, parents, elders – people from all walks of live have tough times where just a little bit of help makes a huge difference.
Subscribe to help another person. Email flags@southwestrotary.com for questions.
Jack Browne is a community activist and past technology engineer, sales and marketing executive at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies.