Excellence
in
Service
PALESTINECHAMBER . ORG | 30
There are many aspects to the history of Palestine , and its people . Everyone knows the important names , the historic names . We know who came first and settled where , who was the law , and who fought the law . We know who lived in big houses and who had money or didn ’ t . But what characteristic describes the very best of our past and present ? Service . Excellence in Service . Who are the people that come together to exemplify the very best of our community to give of themselves to help others find hope . Palestine is full of service clubs and non-profit organizations whose volunteers work diligently year ‘ round . From international organizations with local chapters to local organizations founded right here in Palestine , our community is never lacking in people determined to make this a great place to live . Rotary International was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris in Chicago . He , along with a group of businessmen decided to do something that mattered . Their first project improved sanitation by installing public toilets ( called comfort stations ) in downtown Chicago in 1907 . By 1915 , there were Rotary Clubs across the nation . The Rotary Club of Palestine was founded in 1913 . Our Rotary club has taken on many public projects , always aimed at the practical and pragmatic .
They have given infant car seats to those in need , installed benches in Historic Downtown , provided a pavilion at Davey Dogwood Park , and built a miniature ‘ Safety Town ’ to teach children auto and pedestrian safety , plus fire , electric , train safety , and more . The local club sends care packages to active military at Christmas , and provides dictionaries , to promote literacy , to every third grader in the county . It ’ s members volunteer to fill Blessing Boxes and fit children for free shoes at the beginning of each school year at the “ First Blessings Shoe Giveaway ”. Every January , the Rotary Club of Palestine sponsors 20 students to attend RYLA , the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards retreat , helping to provide leadership opportunities to our local students . And the list goes on , with each Rotarian practicing the 4-Way Test and applying “ Service Above Self ” in each of their daily lives .