The Warwick community unites again to help needy children and their families
Warwick. Lions and Rotary host back-to-back parties for 150 children.
| 17 Dec 2019 | 10:51
Members of the Warwick Valley Rotarians, who hosted the second of two Rotary and Lions back-to-back parties, along with Santa and his many volunteer elves. (
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Another example of how the Warwick community unites to make a difference was the annual Holiday Project for Children in Need held Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Warwick Reformed Church.
Warwick Valley Rotarians, Warwick Lions Club, Chosun Taekwondo Leadership Team, Backpack Snack Attack Program and Warwick Reformed Church - plus many other businesses and individuals -worked together for a year to create a memorable holiday for local families in need.
Approximately 150 children came from various programs including Backpack Snack Attack and the Alamo, which included the former Mustard Seed Ministry.
Elves, gifts, Santa
And since a large number of guests were expected, this year’s event was divided into two back-to-back parties, hosted first by the Lions and then by the Rotarians.
That enabled volunteer elves to escort small groups of children to the various stations, which included games with prizes, cookie decoration, professional photos with Santa and a holiday meal.
A “shop” with new donated gift items, where the children choose gifts for their families and then wrap them was a big hit.
Santa also presented all the children with giant gift bags filled with clothing, shoes, underwear, socks, hats, gloves and toys chosen just for them. And a ShopRite gift card was included.
A community effort
Each year members of the community sponsor the children by donating $60 per child, $100 per family or by shopping for a specific child and providing the items indicated.
Other businesses and individuals donate new gift items, wrapping paper, pizza and desserts. And still others volunteer their time.
Essential information
For additional information about this or next year’s event contact Warwick Rotary at (845) 987-7297 or visit:warwickvalleyrotary.org or contact Warwick Lions Club at (845) 986-1681 or email:warwickcares@gmail.com.
- Roger Gavan