Laredo, TX — [June 2025] — A decade ago, members of the Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation built two wheelchair ramps outside of Volunteers Serving the Need (VSTN), a local nonprofit dedicated to serving Webb County veterans and their surviving spouses who are in financial need. This wheelchair-accessible addition was a crucial step in ensuring that all veterans and community members, particularly those with mobility challenges, could safely access the store and benefit from the essential services it offers.
Now, ten years later, that same spirit of service lives on. Over the past two weekends, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation returned to VSTN to rebuild and improve those original ramps. The effort was part of the club’s commitment to a long-term commitment to service.
“This rebuild isn’t just about wood and nails, it’s about honoring our veterans, supporting our community, and showing that service never goes out of style,” said Luis Blancas, Immediate Past President. “To come back 10 years later and continue the mission alongside a new generation of volunteers speaks volumes about our commitment.”
VSTN currently serves over 500 veterans and their families across Webb County, providing everything from food and clothing to household items. The accessibility provided by the ramps ensures that no one is left behind due to physical limitations.
The Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation would like to thank McCoy’s Building Supply in Laredo, Texas for their generous donation and also invites the community to learn more about the work being done locally and join in future projects that reflect Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.”
About Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation:
Formed to bring together professionals and community-minded individuals of all ages, the Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation engages in hands-on service projects that meet urgent needs throughout the Laredo region. Locally, our members have long supported the community through a range of service projects such as donating books to the El Cenizo Library, donating feminine products and clothing to Casa Misericordia and raising funds for Smiles from Heaven. The club has also built several playgrounds in Laredo including the playgrounds at North Central Park, Dovalina Elementary and Sacred Heart Children’s Home.
For more information or to support upcoming projects, visit www.nextgenerationrotary.com or contact Ricardo Casanova at rickylckup@gmail.com