During this holiday season members of the club took part in multiple meaningful and caring events that made the lives of many brighter, this holiday season.
Thanks go out to everyone who participated in the Sub for Santa, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, The Milestone Housing Project for Teens, and the Rotary Youth Exchange. The generosity and kindness of the members of Rotary Club of Salt Lake City is something we should all be proud to be a part of. Read on to hear about each of these holiday projects.
Sub for Santa - Linda Kruse
Thank you to the board of Club 24 for allowing me the opportunity to spearhead the Sub for Santa drive. There were 15 families with a total of 50 children. For the first time in many years each family was sponsored by a Rotarian– we had 17 Rotarians participating in the purchase of gifts. Monetary donations were $4,940.00. In addition, we received $5,000 from the Thatcher Foundation enabling us to provide an additional $100.00 gift card for each child which could be tailored to the needs of the child (it may be winter boots, coat, bicycles or games). We are in the process of finalizing deliveries tomorrow. Gifts to the families have included Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, ham dinners, bicycles, clothing, games, stocking stuffers and much more.
A week ago, we learned there were an additional 4 families requesting / needing assistance. Given the timing we provided each of the families a $500.00 gift certificate.
This entire project would not have been possible without the support of the staff at Franklin School, Nancy Brown for her guidance and direction from past years’ experience, Summer Hansen for sharing prior year’s history, 17 Santas, and finally to the incredible members of Club 24 who totally understand the concept of service and their willingness to assist people in need! Each of you is my hero. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of giving to families in need.
Holiday Potluck, Rotary Youth Exchange - Leslie Peterson
Among Rotary’s many highly respected and impactful programs is the Youth Exchange Program for students ages 15-19 and sponsored by rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. In recent years, Club 24 has hosted Aina from Barcelona and Yann from France, and sponsored Riley for a year abroad. This year, Utah Rotary clubs are hosting students from countries such as Spain, Argentina and Taiwan.
Club 24 traditionally hosts the annual youth exchange holiday party, and this year was no exception. For the third year in a row, guests, including “Rotex,” Utah students who spent the 2023-24 school year abroad, gathered at the home of Rotarian Leslie Peterson and husband Kevin Higgins to sample cuisine from around the world and to share holiday traditions. Each student, one coming from as far away as Cedar City, brought a typical dish from his or her country, providing a bountiful feast of unique and delicious flavors. Club 24 Past President Paul Stringham and wife Kim along with President Elect Heidi Ruster and husband Kevin joined for the festivities to meet these remarkable young people who impressed with their poise, curiosity, and camaraderie. Together, they embodied good will, hope and optimism for the future.
Milestone Housing Project Holiday Care Packages - Jacqui Voland
As part of our continued relationship with the Milestone Project and the youth who reside at the home members of the club donated "wish list" supplies to the youth that included blankets, books, razors, holiday treats, warm clothing, electronics, and visa gift cards. The team at the Milestone Housing were so grateful for the generosity of our members and will send photos in the new year.
Holiday Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army - Floyd Hatch and Henry WurtsThanks to Floyd and Henry for continuing to organize the annual bell ringing day to support the Salvation Army. Stationed at City Creek members spent 1-hour shifts supporting the effort and getting to know each other a little better. Unless you were a stalwart like Henry who was there for at least three hours. Thanks to all who participated.
I am confident that there were other efforts by members that also deserve recognition. Thank you to all who participated in these seasonal endeavors and to all who made someone's holiday season better by your kindness and generosity.
Yours in Rotary
Jacqui