Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to sincerely thank all of those who so generously donated during the recent newspaper sales on local streets and holiday activities. The spirit of the donors was encouragement for those volunteers collecting, not only for their contributions but also for the appreciation of their efforts. Over one hundred volunteers were active over the two day event. Many first time volunteers have promised that they will be back next year.
The Clarkston Rotary has been proudly involved in a club published “Goodfellow type” newspaper sales as a service project for the past 78 years.
“Shoes for Kids” has been the Clarkston Rotary’s signature community service project for the past 40 years. It takes the collaborative efforts of not only club members but the many friends of Rotary and family members to bring each year’s project to fruition. Over the past 21 years, we have been fortunate to be able to provide for over 8,500 Clarkston kids and the Clarkston community has generously donated over $275,000 to bring this truly community wide service project to fruition.
On Dec. 8, 436 Clarkston Community School children were hosted at Oakland Woods Baptist Church and provide each child with new winter boots, shoes, hats, and gloves. This year over 50 people were involved in the Friday night set up and for “Shoes for Kids”, 160 volunteers worked in two hour shifts providing for 35 children every half hour. We are proud to have given over 800 pairs of shoes and boots this year.
The Clarkston Rotary would like to express its gratitude and appreciation by acknowledging the following groups, organizations and businesses for the success of this year’s program:
A special thank you to The Clarkston News, publisher Jim Sherman, Don Rush, and their staff for preparation and publication of the special Clarkston Rotary special Goodfellow edition, as well as the efforts of Rotary Club President Mary Sloan, in bringing the paper to print.
We are truly grateful to Oakland Woods Baptist Church, Pastor Sheridan and their congregation for hosting the annual shoe distribution day. To their church members for volunteering their time to help insure that both projects are an absolute success.
To Boy Scout Troop #199 and their troop leaders for organizing troop members in collecting donations at three holiday event locations. They exemplify everything a community looks for from its future leaders. Troop #199 has provided continuous support to this community service project for the past 20 years.
To Cub Scout Pack #499 participating in their sixth year of selling newspapers at Neiman’s Family Market. The enthusiasm and efforts of the scouts did not go unnoticed.
To the Clarkston Optimists for their Opti-Socks program in providing needed socks to go with their new shoes.
To the Clarkston Area Lions Club for providing free eye exams to the families. They have made a difference in so many lives by detecting early vision problems. This year they were able to proved for over 100 people
To the City of the Village of Clarkston for providing the use of their warm DPW garage for use as a newspaper headquarters, a place to rest, converse and dine on a variety of food items from local restaurants and grocery stores.
To Lighthouse of Oakland County, and the Clarkston Community School administration, Social Workers, teachers and staff for their efforts and support of the “Shoes for Kids” program in getting families signed up.
To Mark Kelly (MPK Photography) for family photos with Santa.
A special Thank You to Jim Jacques for spending the entire day in a warm red suit making kids laugh and smile as they tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
To Neiman’s Family Market for permitting Cub Scouts to learn community service by selling newspapers at their Clarkston store and their continued support of the Clarkston Rotary’s many community service projects.
To the Union Joints (Wood Shop and Union), Hamlin Pub, Brioni’s Café and Deli, Hungry Howie’s and Tim Horton’s for their commitment and dedication in supporting the many volunteers involved over the two weekends.
A special thank you to the Clarkston elementary schools and area churches for their annual Hat, Mitten and Glove Tree collections. Their continued support provides variety for the attending children as well as extending the program further into the community.
To Gott’s Auto for use of a truck and cargo trailer over the years and making it possible to move the inventories.
To all of the volunteers, friends, and family members of the Clarkston Rotary Club who gave so generously of their time, energy, and donations to make this year’s events possible and a true gift for may children. It is the dedication and commitment of the almost 300 volunteers over the two weekends that ultimately benefits so many Clarkston children.
Interested in participating and volunteering in either event next year, seek us out on clarkstonrotary.org or by calling 248-625-9741.
Clarkston Rotary Club, Joel DeLong, “Shoes for Kids” chair and family