Rotarian Howard Sullivan (second from left) with members of the Forest Grove Fire Department and staff from The Higher Taste as meals were delivered to local first responders by the Rotary Club of Forest Grove on May 26, 2020.

FOREST GROVE, Oregon (June 5, 2020) – While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Rotary Club of Forest Grove to move its meetings to a virtual format, it has not slowed the efforts of the club to support the local community.

For the last two months, club members have provided meals to first responders who are on the front lines to protect the community during the pandemic. Rotarian Howard Sullivan, who recently retired as the executive director of the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce, organized the effort on behalf of the club.

“From the start of the pandemic, club members made it clear that they wanted to find ways that we can support our community,” said club president Tim Pearson. “I am grateful that Howard took the initiative to put this meal effort together and honor those who are putting their lives on the line to keep all of us safe.”

Club members raised $240 in both April and May, which was used to purchase meals from local businesses. In April, meals purchased through Diversity Café in Forest Grove were donated to first responders at Hillsboro Medical Center (formerly Tuality Community Hospital).

In May, 88 meals were provided to members of the police and fire departments in Forest Grove and Cornelius. The meals were purchased from The Higher Taste, a food manufacturer in Cornelius that specializes in vegan and vegetarian meals.

The Rotary Club of Forest Grove plans another first responders meal effort in June.