October 7, 2024— In a heartwarming effort to give back, Rowland Water District (RWD) employees have launched a new outreach program aimed at providing essential resources and supporting our local community. Caring for Our Neighbors highlights Rowland’s commitment to uplifting the community through various charity and volunteer events and ties into RWD’s new purpose statement: We are devoted to caring for our neighbors and our future.

During a recent internal fundraiser, District staff raised over $2,000 to purchase school supplies and donate 44 fully equipped backpacks to three local schools in its service area: Jellick Elementary School, Rowland Elementary School, and Blandford Elementary School.

District staff worked with local teachers to identify essential supplies that students at each grade level would need for the school year and assembled curated backpacks as a result. Common supplies included lunch boxes, reusable water bottles, pencils, crayons, pencil boxes, wide-ruled paper, glue, padded headphones, and more.

“Launching the Caring for Our Neighbors program has been a deeply rewarding experience for all of us,” said Education & Community Outreach Coordinator Brittnie Gildea. “Our team truly values the members of our community and hopes to make an impact through volunteering and outreach.”

Building on this momentum, District staff recently volunteered at the Rowland Unified School District’s Family Resource Center’s ‘Fresh Start’ event held on August 8th to help prepare 147 children for the school year by supplying them with the necessary items they would need to be successful.  The District is also partnering with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights to have employees volunteer at future food bank distribution events.

The Caring for Our Neighbors program is a reflection of WHO RWD employees are – welcoming, humble, and original.

“Launched by RWD employees as a way to give back, the Caring for our Neighbors program aligns perfectly with our purpose statement,” said Director of Operations Allen Davidson, who spearheaded this initiative. “We take pride in being part of an organization that makes an impact through service, volunteerism, and outreach.”

Rowland Water District’s Caring for Our Neighbors program is not just about giving back—it’s about fostering a stronger, more connected community.

Learn more at rwd.org.