The Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, or WVRC, received a $1,000 charitable donation from the Rotary Club of South Whidbey Island in support of the WVRC’s mission to serve local veterans and their families March 25.

The WVRC is located at the South Whidbey Community Center and provides free transportation to off-island VA clinics, local counseling and benefits assistance, and a safe place for Veterans to get the help they need.

“Today, about 12,000 people on Whidbey Island are veterans—they are our neighbors, our friends, and family. Many of us interact and connect with veterans every day, and we just don’t know or realize it,” said Dana Sawyers, WVRC Board Member and Air Force veteran. “The Rotary Club’s kind donation helps us reach and empower even more veterans in our communities.”

So far this year, the WVRC has served over 200 veterans by hosting over 90 support groups and receiving nearly 400 visits at the Community Center. The WVRC’s ride-link van program has also conducted several round trips to Seattle’s VA clinics for veterans to access needed medical care.

“We are grateful for the important service that this nonprofit organization provides to our community and hope that this contribution will assist WVRC efforts,” said Marie Plakos, president of Rotary Club of South Whidbey Island. “Thank you for all you do for our community.”

The WVRC is partnering with the Rotary Club of South Whidbey Island for future summer events to honor those who served and raise community awareness of the challenges that face our local veterans.

“We are excited to work closely with the Rotary Club and grow this strong, long-lasting partnership,” said Chris Hudec, WVRC Board President and Air Force veteran. “With nearly 20% in Island County having served in the military, together we recognize that veterans makes up an important part of our island’s identity.”

The Rotary Club of South Whidbey Island also provided community grants to Helping Hand of South Whidbey, Mother Mentors, the HUB and Kids First of Island County.

The WVRC work is run by donations and volunteers. For information on how you can volunteer or donate, please visit www.WhidbeyVRC.org or email WhidbeyVRC@gmail.com.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call 360-331-8081. Our veterans are not alone—please reach out. The WVRC is located in the back of South Whidbey Community Center at 723 Camano Ave., Room 403. Support groups meet weekly. Benefit sessions are available by calling and appointment.