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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Pittsboro News Page!

We’re glad you’re here! This page is your go-to source for updates, announcements, and stories from the Rotary Club of Pittsboro. Here, you’ll find news about our service projects, community partnerships, upcoming events, and the incredible impact Rotary is making—locally and around the world.

The Rotary motto, Service Above Self, guides everything we do. It reminds us that true leadership and community building come from putting others first, and it is the spirit behind every project, program, and partnership we take on.

We invite you to check back often, get involved, and join us in making a difference. Together, we can turn small acts of service into lasting change.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Service

The Rotary Club of Pittsboro marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with a Day of Service focused on caring for local seniors, a population among the most vulnerable in Chatham County.

In partnership with Chatham County Schools and the Northwood High School Interact Club, Rotary volunteers, students, community members, and educators came together to create no-sew fleece blankets and assemble more than 70 care packages for seniors in need. The items will be distributed through Chatham County Meals on Wheels, a program of Chatham County Aging Services.

“Chatham County Schools is proud to support our community through small acts that lead to big change,” said Dr. Jayme McPhatter, Coordinator of Special Programs for Chatham County Schools.

Meals on Wheels serves residents 60 years of age and older who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals. Dedicated volunteers deliver meals Monday through Friday while also providing social interaction and wellness checks for recipients, many of whom live alone.

“Seniors are some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Roger Saunders, President of the Rotary Club of Pittsboro. “Many are isolated and do not see many people day to day. This project was about reaching out and letting them know they are seen, cared for, and valued.”

Students from the Northwood High School Interact Club played a key role in the service project, gaining hands-on experience in community service and leadership.

“Our youth showed tremendous compassion,” said Shari Becker, Rotary Youth Services Chair. “They learned that service does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. Small acts of kindness can make a real difference, especially for seniors who may be feeling alone.”

As volunteers packed care items, tied fleece blankets, and wrote messages of encouragement, the room was filled with energy, purpose, and a shared understanding of Dr. King’s enduring message that service strengthens communities.

Funding for the MLK Day of Service was made possible in part through the Pittsboro Street Fair, which supports Rotary service projects throughout the year. Proceeds from the fair enable the Rotary Club of Pittsboro to address local needs and invest directly in the community.

“The Pittsboro Street Fair helps turn community support into real impact,” Saunders added. “Because of it, we can support projects like this that strengthen our community.”

The Rotary Club of Pittsboro is committed to service leadership and building strong connections across Chatham County. Community members interested in learning more about Rotary or getting involved are encouraged to email rotaryofpittsboro@gmail.com.

Pittsboro Rotary Serves Up Holiday Cheer for CORA’s Turkey Tuesday

This Thanksgiving season, the Rotary Club of Pittsboro came together once again to support CORA Food Pantry’s annual Turkey Day initiative. Thanks to the generosity and teamwork of our members, we were able to donate 94 turkeys and 96 hams — an incredible 1,731 pounds of food — to help ensure that families across Chatham County can enjoy a warm, festive holiday meal.

At Rotary, service above self is more than a motto — it’s a way of showing up for our neighbors. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to support CORA’s mission to build a community without hunger, especially during a time of year when food brings people together, and memories are made around the table.

A huge thank you to every Rotarian who contributed, loaded, lifted, delivered, organized, and spread the word. Your kindness helps brighten the season for hundreds of families, and your commitment to our community makes all the difference.

Here’s to continued service, partnership, and compassion — not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Rotary Club of Pittsboro!

Rotary Club of Pittsboro Partners with CORA to Fight Childhood Hunger in Chatham County

The Rotary Club of Pittsboro is taking action to help ensure that no child in Chatham County goes hungry. Recognizing that many children face food insecurity when school is not in session, the club partnered with CORA Food Pantry to support its CORApacks program, which provides nutritious meals and snacks to children during weekends and school breaks.

This year, the Rotary Club of Pittsboro contributed just over $1,000 to help CORA distribute food to children throughout the school year. But their commitment went beyond financial support. Rotary members also volunteered their time, rolling up their sleeves to pack boxes filled with healthy, kid-friendly foods that are delivered directly to children’s homes each month.

“Food insecurity doesn’t take a break when school does,” said Roger Saunders, Rotary Club President. “We’re proud to partner with CORA to make sure kids in our community have what they need to grow, learn, and thrive.”

CORA’s CORApacks program serves hundreds of local children by providing dependable access to nutritious food outside of school hours. Through partnerships like this one, CORA and the Rotary Club of Pittsboro are working together to build a stronger, healthier, and more food-secure Chatham County.

Mark your calendars for a day when Pittsboro’s streets come alive with laughter, music, and the smell of good food—the Pittsboro Street Fair is back!

On Saturday, October 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, downtown Pittsboro will transform into a vibrant hub of community spirit. Stroll down Hanks, Fayetteville, and Salisbury Streets and you’ll find yourself surrounded by more than 100 vendors—artisans showcasing their craft, local businesses sharing their specialties, nonprofits highlighting their work, and food vendors serving up delicious treats.

It’s more than just a fair; it’s a gathering place. Families can watch their children’s eyes light up with balloon art, giggles from face painting, and hands busy with kid-friendly activities. The beloved Trike Race rolls back into action from noon to 3:00 p.m.—where wobbly turns and fearless riders guarantee plenty of laughs and maybe a few surprise victories.

Music fills the air throughout the day with live performances on the main stage—from toe-tapping beats to sing-along favorites, there’s a rhythm for everyone. With free entry and shuttle service from Central Carolina Community College, the Street Fair is as welcoming as it is enjoyable.

But here’s what makes this day truly special: every smile, every purchase, and every shared moment of joy ripple outward into the community. Proceeds from the Street Fair fuel the Rotary Club of Pittsboro’s service projects, including:

● Karen S. Heilman Scholarships for local students

● CORA’s Turkey Tuesday food program

● Meals on Wheels deliveries for seniors

● Books for local students

● Adopt-a-Highway clean-up efforts

● Holiday Cards for Seniors

So when you come to the Pittsboro Street Fair, you’re not just enjoying a day of fun—you’re helping a student chase their dreams, putting a warm meal on a neighbor’s table, and reminding a senior they’re cared for and remembered.

Bring your friends, bring your family, and be part of a day where community shines brightest. We can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more at www.rotaryofpittsboro.org/pittsboro-street-fair.

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