Elissa, Care is There’s Shenandoah Valley Location Manager, began her Rotary journey in her teens, long before women were officially welcomed as members. Back then, she helped her mother typed and assembled the weekly Rotary bulletin — a small task that planted the seeds of lifelong service. When she finally joined her local Rotary Club in 1997, she discovered firsthand the joy of building healthier communities and a more peaceful world, one act of service at a time.
Among Rotary’s many traditions, ringing the Salvation Army bells during the Holiday Season remains a favorite. The cheerful clanging raises funds that help families experience a true holiday celebration, even when finances are tight.
Last December, Elissa asked her Care is There client, Monroe, if he would like to help her ring the bell. Usually a “behind the scenes” kind of guy, Monroe surprised everyone when he agreed.
Bundled up to brave the winter weather, Monroe greeted every shopper at Walmart with a smile, thanked each donor, and wished them a heartfelt Merry Christmas. Elissa saw a whole new side of him during this interaction with the public — he had the spirited energy she usually only sees when he’s playing his guitar.
Moments like this are exactly why Elissa loves her work with Care is There. Giving clients new experiences, drawing out their inner strengths, and helping them shine is at the heart of what she does. Stepping outside his comfort zone allowed Monroe’s generous, joyful nature to take center stage — and everyone who crossed his path that afternoon felt it.
A simple service project became something much bigger: a reminder that every person has gifts
to share, and sometimes all it takes is a bell, a smile, and a welcoming community to bring them out.