Central New York Rotarians demonstrated the true meaning of “Service Above Self” during the district’s participation in Rotary's Epic Day of Service, mobilizing volunteers across the region to tackle hunger, beautify communities, support environmental initiatives, and uplift neighbors in need. Of the district’s 105 Rotary clubs, 18 participated in the coordinated day of service.
From food drives to community cleanups, Rotarians embraced a wide range of projects designed to meet local needs and strengthen community connections.
Several clubs focused their efforts on combating food insecurity. The Hamilton Rotary Club supported its local food cupboard, while clubs in Little Falls, Cazenovia, and Johnson City organized successful food drives. Members of the DeWitt Rotary Club volunteered at the Samaritan Center (see directly below), serving meals and assisting community members facing hardship.
One of the day’s largest collaborative efforts took place in Syracuse through the “Sandwich Saturday” initiative. Rotary clubs from Baldwinsville, Eastwood, and Inner City Syracuse joined together to prepare meals and distribute clothing, shoes, and personal care items to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Environmental stewardship also played a central role in the day’s activities. Rotary clubs in Niskayuna, Onondaga North, Oneida, and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill (VVS) organized community cleanups, while the Cortland Breakfast Rotary Club launched a recycling initiative. Albany Mosaic Rotarians constructed raised garden beds to support community gardening efforts, and the Tully Rotary Club hosted a golf tournament fundraiser dedicated to an environmental project.
Other clubs focused on strengthening local support systems. The Camillus/Solvay/Geddes Rotary Club held a geranium sale to benefit community initiatives (see photo directly below), while Utica Rotarians volunteered at a local Walk for Autism event, demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to inclusion and support for neurodiverse individuals and families.
For Donna Adams, chair of the CNY Service Committee, the day was especially meaningful.
Her morning began in Auburn at the Auburn Rotary Club’s Community Garden event, where volunteers — including local students — prepared space for new garden boxes and fencing. Later, she traveled to Syracuse to participate in Sandwich Saturday alongside fellow Rotarians and community volunteers.
“It was a deeply humbling experience,” Adams reflected. “Not just for me, but for the students who are currently working to establish the very first Interact Club in Cayuga County.”
Seeing young leaders actively engage in community service offered a powerful reminder of Rotary’s future and the lasting impact of mentorship and volunteerism.
The success of this year's Epic Day of Service reinforces the idea that collective action can create extraordinary results.
“To every Rotarian who embraced the challenge, involved your communities, and amplified our mission — thank you,” Adams said. “You proved that when we work together, our service has no limits.”