Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has officially proclaimed April 15-21, 2024 as Arizona Rotary Week of Service, and Rotary clubs throughout Arizona invite friends, neighbors and fellow citizens to join them as they conduct service projects to benefit the local community during the fourth annual Rotary Week of Service.

Rotary Week of Service aims to bring communities together to address pressing needs and assist families, schools and organizations. Rotary clubs throughout the state are planning a wide range of community projects that include hosting food drives, cleaning local parks, donating items to homeless shelters, planting trees and more.

“Every week throughout the year, in communities across the state, Rotarians quietly give of their time and resources to build a better world. The work they do is inspiring, and I hope this Rotary Week of Service shines a light on all our great clubs,” said Kevin Pitts, district governor for Rotary District 5495.

“Rotarians do great things all year long, but we felt the time was right to combine our efforts and bring our communities together to focus on one solid week of service. Rotary is committed to making our world a better place – and there is no better place to start than in our own community.”

There are 115 Rotary clubs – and over 3,000 Rotarians -- in Arizona serving towns and cities of all sizes. Arizona is served by two Rotary districts – District 5495 and District 5500. The state’s first Rotary club was started over a century ago and several clubs in Arizona have recently celebrated their 100^th anniversary.

Many clubs have a community service project planned during Rotary Week of Service. A complete list of community service projects can be found at azrotary.org. Visitors to the site can find information on projects in their community and sign up to volunteer or participate in the project.

District 5495 will kick off Rotary Week of Service with The Prom Closet, conducted by the Rotary Club of Peoria North. The Prom Closet  will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m., April 13-14 at the GESD System of Care Center, 7677 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale. Rotarians from throughout the state volunteer at The Prom Closet, which provides formal prom attire free of charge to all high school students.

Volunteers are invited to join Rotarians throughout the week to assist with a local service project. Visit azrotary.org for information.

"We appreciate that Arizonans have the opportunity this week to recognize the direct impact that Rotarians have on creating hope and improving the lives of people in need in our state and around the world. Arizona Rotarians exemplify the motto “service above self,” said Don Jorgensen, district governor for District 5500.

“We know there are a lot of people who want to help others and give back – but just can’t seem to find the perfect opportunity. Rotarians are not only committed to service, but they’re closely connected to their communities, and in the best position to identify and coordinate local projects that address urgent needs,” added Mr. Pitts.

“We want this to be a true community-wide effort, and encourage non-Rotarians to join us,” he added.

Rotary members throughout the world take action to make communities better. They contribute their time, energy, and passion to carry out meaningful and sustainable projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, help mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies.

Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. We connect 1.2 million members from more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Visit Rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.