The Rotary Club of Eastlake is the newest of three Chula Vista Rotary Clubs.
The original Rotary Club of Chula Vista has been serving the community since 1926; the Sunrise Rotary Club was created in 1986 after it was named the Bonita Rotary Club. Just five years ago the Rotary Club of Eastlake became the most recent Rotary Club in Chula Vista.
Despite being the youngest, the club has already made an impact throughout Chula Vista and across the border.
Each year during Christmas time, the Rotary Club of Eastlake partners with the Salvation Army with its food drive.
This year the club donated $700 to the organization and is having members volunteer to distribute food boxes for families in need.
They are also involved with the Toys for Tots program at the Border View Family YMCA. Through this program they donate wrapping paper, tape and volunteer hours. They also assist in raising money for the local YMCA’s scholarship program
“As a (young) service club it does feel that we are making a difference (in the community) with the different projects that we are involved in,” said Samuel Hernandez Meza, co-chair of public relations, social media and projects for the Rotary Club of Eastlake. “It’s the best feeling being able to give back.”
Every year the club helps an all-male senior center in Tecate. The club frequently gives monetary donations to the center. Other members give their time and company to the seniors by playing cards and accompanying them for a few hours on any given day, Hernandez Meza said.
The club hosts a blanket, jacket and slippers drive and delivers them on Jan.6 for Three Kings Day.
The group recently created the Rotary Club of Eastlake Foundation so they can start fundraising for various projects and organizations. Hernandez Meza said as of now, the club does not have any fundraising events.
The 22-member, five board of directors group meets every Tuesday evening at First Bank in Rancho San Miguel, 2314 Proctor Valley Road, Ste. 101. At meetings they discuss opportunities to get involved with the community, plans for growth and occasionally bring in a guest speaker.
Hernandez Meza has worked for the YMCA for the last seven years. He said he was invited to a Rotary of Eastlake meeting by a friend and immediately knew he wanted to join. He said he likes the family-like environment among club members.
Hernandez Meza said being a young and small club has its challenges such as not having certain resources as other clubs.
Despite that, he said everyone has something to add.
“As a young and small club, everybody has the opportunity to do something and everybody has the opportunity to provide ideas of (future projects),” he said. “We all work together to advance our community.”
If interested in joining the Rotary Club of Eastlake email Hernandez Meza at shmeza@ymca.org.
