Rotary, Lions come through with sizable donations to help Marseilles Nursing Service

For decades, the Marseilles Rotary Club has mailed a donation request to every resident and business to help raise funds for the Marseilles Nursing Service.

Since the end of World War I, Marseilles had the opportunity to return a small sum to the American Red Cross or establish a nursing service for the community. At that time, residents opted to establish this service, and it has been operating and assisting the people of Marseilles ever since.

The free service provides medical equipment through a loan program, cooperation with doctors and other health agencies, catering to the elderly and their needs. Medical equipment provided includes hospital beds, canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs, among other items.

The nonprofit nursing service is maintained through donations and fundraisers with the help of volunteers.

The mailing raised $9,100 for the nursing service. A check was presented Jan. 21 at a joint meeting of the Lions Club and Rotary Club at Lions Club Hall. That amount was about $2,000 more than was raised the previous year, according to the Rotary.

The Lions Club also pitched in. The club, which is the largest in its district with more than 100 members, hosted a Vegas Night on Nov. 23, with the proceeds providing $2,500 for the Marseilles Nursing Service.

“I have always said that Marseilles people are very proud, and city residents take care of their own,” said Kent Terry, a Rotary Club member. “I saw this very clearly during the flood of 2013 and recovery, and I saw it recently when Interact students joined Marseilles Rotary members in collecting for The Salvation Army. When we collected at Marseilles locations (Circle K and D & S Foods) more than 75% of people contributed, and they contributed generously.”

The Marseilles Nursing Service, 227 Main St., is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. Call 815-795-4332 to contact the nonprofit.