Over 900 collaborative Rotary projects throughout the world have been submitted on the Rotary Showcase website this year, and Rotary Magazine's February issue included a spotlight of a Backpack Project for students coordinated by the 20 Rotary Clubs in Ventura County. District 5240's Groups 4, 5, 6, and 7 each coordinated these backpack stuffing events in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations and school districts in their communities.
RI President Shekhar Mehta challenged Rotary clubs to participate in Rotary Days of Service worldwide, and highly encouraged group collaboration with other clubs and other organizations. The Ventura Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters played a huge role in this project by arranging for 1200 backpacks to be donated through the NBA and NFL. These events were very successful and brought together club members and potential members.