Derby Rotary and community partners presented Derby Public Schools with a $51,586 donation on Oct. 13 to support student meals for families facing temporary need.

Heather Bohati, superintendent and Derby Rotary president, told the board the funds resulted from multiple fundraising sources including Rotary member donations at weekly meetings, the Hot Wheels for Hot Meals car show (rescheduled due to rain), private donations and a citywide garage sale with purpose. "Our goal has always been simple but significant, that no family should ever have to worry about a school breakfast or lunch when they experience a temporary time of need," Bohati said.

Nut graf: The donation bundled proceeds from longstanding Rotary efforts (donations at meetings and events), the Hot Wheels car show, the citywide garage sale and private sponsors. Organizers said the drive engaged students, sports groups, parent organizations and local businesses, and benefited local nonprofits and school families.

Bohati credited many volunteers and partners, naming Open Door Ministries, Step Up Wichita, Ember Hope Youthville, Twice as Nice prom, Kaven's Helping Hands Foundation and others for coordinating donations and handling remaining clothing distributions. She also asked the board to recess briefly so volunteers and organizers could gather for a group photograph with the check.

Ending: Pam Kelly, the district's director of finance, joined organizers to receive the check. Rotary leaders said the next "garage sale with a purpose" is scheduled for June (dates in packet: June 4 onward) and encouraged continued community support.