Roanoke volunteer's fundraising goes farther than the extra mile

Another July has come and gone, and Curt's Miles of Pennies keep adding up.

In three years, Lee Rowland has raised more than $14,000 in what she thought was just a token to the Roanoke Rescue Mission in memory of her husband, Curt, who died in April 2010. They were both regular volunteers at the mission, and she still bakes desserts for the mission weekly and makes other contributions.

Curt was born on July 3, and Lee started collecting pennies on that day in 2010 to sweeten the mission's kitty.

"I thought a mile - $844.50 - would help the Rescue Mission. My vision never imagined how it would continue growing," she said.

During the first year, Lee raised $2,534.40 in penny jars decorated with Curt's pictures and through other donations. That amount represented three miles.

The drive completed seven more miles the second year, and closed out the third year on July 3, 2013, with more than 17 miles. As of July 30, Lee said, she had $99.67 toward mile 18.

That brings the total she's raised in three years to $14,460.27. Lee said she plans to continue the drive as long as she's able to pick up donations and deliver them to the mission weekly.

"I would love to put something in the memorials of the newspaper but it's so expensive. I'd rather put the money in the ‘funds' for the Rescue Mission," Lee wrote in a note in early July.

"I am so grateful to all who have been ‘touched' to support this project; some can only share pennies and others can do more. I give God the glory for keeping the ‘pot' growing."

Lee plans to continue another tradition she started after Curt died: spending Thanksgiving and Christmas days helping out at the mission.

"When I'm there, I can actually feel Curt with me," she explained.

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Volunteers and supplies are still need for the annual "Back 2 School Blast" on Aug. 12 at Parkway Wesleyan Church, 3645 Orange Ave. N.E., Roanoke.

INTotal Health , K92 radio, Parkway Wesleyan Church, the Salvation Army, Carilion Clinic, MajestaCare, Growing Up in the Valley, Coca-Cola, Manna Ministries, SkyRyders and the Roanoke Rescue Mission are working together to get grade-appropriate school supplies, back-to-school haircuts and new school shoes for an estimated 2,500 children whose families are struggling economically.

"By collaborating with other organizations, we are able to have a bigger and better event," said Leslie Littlefield, volunteer coordinator for the Rescue Mission. "Rather than multiple smaller school supply giveaways, one large event allows the organizing sponsors to pool their talents which means more efficiency and more effective service for struggling families with school-age children in our community. Collaboration also allows more outside organizations, such as Carilion Clinic, Roanoke City Health Department, the police department and others participate and reach these families with important information."

During last year's event, 1,750 children received book bags and supplies, 500 children received new shoes, 218 children received haircuts, 60 children received school physicals, 25 received immunizations and 960 children received Gideon's Bibles.

Needed school supplies include book bags, loose-leaf paper, pencil pouches, marker, pencils, pens, erasers, pocket folders, scissors, glue sticks, spiral notebooks and highlighters.

Donations will be accepted through Monday at the Rescue Mission, 402 Fourth St. S.E., Roanoke. Visit www.back2schoolblast.org for more information or to sign up to volunteer.

There is no charge for supplies or services, but parents or guardians must register with child or present a birth certificate or other form of identification to receive ticket to get supplies, which will be distributed on a first-come basis.

* * *

The Vinton Breakfast Lions Club recently elected Fred StClair as president.

Other officers for the 2013-14 year are Doug Adams, first vice president; Chris McCarty, second vice president; Hal Mabe, secretary; Robbie Robinson and John Berry, directors; Bob Benninger, treasurer; Keith Lafferty, lion tamer; David Chittum, tail twister.

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