Rotary Christmas Baskets: Get into holiday
spirit by helping and giving

December 17, 2015
Santa Paula News

Have a fun time and get into the spirit of the holidays by helping the Rotary Club of Santa Paula with their Christmas Basket program by either donating gifts for kids, helping to build boxes or even pack them with goodies. 

Better yet, you can do all three! 

According to Program Chairman Jason Cole, there’s still work to be done and presents to be matched to the recipients, especially for boys and girls 12 years old and up.

In all, Rotary and generous supporters are providing gifts for 1,200 Santa Paula children and 500 baskets for their households.

Each family was pre-qualified to ensure the city’s neediest are able to enjoy a holiday meal with plenty of leftovers and a special gift matched to each child in the family.

Cole said helpers are needed starting Thursday when Rotarians and supporters start pick ups at donation sites “From around town and schools... we’ll pickup through Friday. Sunday, December 21, starting at about 10 a.m. we need mature kids and adults to help with preparations at the Community Center,” AKA Christmas Basket Central, where helpers will put out tables, assemble 500 cardboard boxes and label each with addresses and route information. 

“Also on Sunday we will be moving all toys and canned food from annex sites to the Community Center for storage. Monday we’ll sort the canned goods and presents and fill the baskets,” said Cole.

“We’ll need a lot of volunteers,” who are asked to come at 7 a.m. or as early as possible.

Monday will be another workday starting at about 7 a.m. and if things aren’t wrapped up (so to speak) by the projected 7 p.m. quit time, Rotarians and volunteers will work again Tuesday.

Wednesday, Christmas Eve morning, Rotarians and their supporters will be out bright and early to deliver the baskets.  

So far this year Rotary is 500 to 700 gifts short, especially those suitable for young teens and older youth.

Although Cole said he is confident Rotary will make up the shortfall donations are still appreciated... sports equipment, games, hair accessories, music CDs and gift cards are just a few examples of what older kids would be thankful for this holiday season.

Said Cole, “Santa Paula always comes through for our kids and this program would not be possible without our generous and dedicated donors and volunteers... “ 

Donations can be dropped off throughout the city at businesses and public facilities with the Rotary donation boxes through Thursday or brought directly to the Community Center starting Sunday.

For more information call Cole at (805) 815-8583 or email Jaycole3410@gmail.com





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