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We talked to program staff to identify the needs. For example, Karina Santos, Program Manager for
Dreams for Change, underscored the importance of this initiative:
"It's extremely important. We provide them with two meals a day, but anything else added is an added
benefit. Whenever individuals like yourselves (Rotary members) and other organizations come, the
residents get extremely excited. They knew this was coming and at 9 AM, they were lined up waiting for
you guys. They couldn't wait to get blankets or a small treat. It's not part of their normal routine."
For many, the blankets are not just gifts-they are critical to weathering the chilly winter nights. The
residents are provided with tents and cots. As Santos shared, while the tents provide insulation, they
are not enough to keep residents warm. The blankets Rotary distributed will help trap heat and protect
individuals, especially older adults in the encampments, who typically range in age from 45 to 75.
In collaboration with the nonprofit organization Dreams for Change, our club last year distributed
approximately 365 blankets, hygiene kits, and food and beverages to those living in secure tent
encampments near downtown San Diego. We plan on meeting those targets again, between purchases
and donations, in-kind and direct donations.
The project will be completed December 2025.
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