The Rotary Club of National City is small in size but their contributions to the community are grand.
With only 11 current members and four on the board of directors, the oldest rotary club in the South Bay continues to make a difference in the National City community.
“Our main purpose is to bring together businesses and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services to the people of National City,” said Bill Wells, the club’s president. “Our primary focus is the youth of National City. That’s the main priority for our club.”
The club supports many National City organizations and clubs.
They continually give monetary donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of National City, award scholarships to winners of the Miss National City Educational Pageant and to cadets of Sweetwater Union High School’s ROTC program.
Members annually raise funds for the National City Police Department’s school supplies drive for National City elementary schools. And about three years ago, when the police department needed bulletproof vests for their K-9 unit, the Rotary Club raised enough money to outfit three of their dogs with vests.
As much as they contribute, the club is on the decline.
Wells, 76, has been a Rotary Club of National City member for the last 10 years. He said in that time there has been a significant reduction in membership. He said at its peak the club had around 70 to 80 members.
When he joined 10 years ago they had 40 members.
Today membership is at its lowest with 11 members.
He said there are several reasons why membership has declined. Wells said people are usually too busy or are so heavily involved in other activities and organizations that they cannot devote enough time to Rotary.
Wells took over the presidency of the club in July. He said his first order of business is to increase membership. He said his other goal is to increase the number and amount of scholarships awarded.
“We’re rebuilding the club,” he said
Wells, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam war, said he plans to increase membership by actively recruiting and contacting his network of people.
Wells said anyone can join the club as long as they have time to serve. Members do not have to reside in National City to join. Wells, for instance, is a Chula Vista resident.
The club meets every Tuesday at noon at Boys & Girls Club of National City, 1430 D Ave.
If interested in joining the National City Rotary, contact Wells at (619) 341-3786.
