Rotary program celebrates 38 years of giving

The “Magic of Christmas” program to help children in need during the holidays celebrated its 38th year in Whitefish, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Whitefish, private donors, but in large funded by the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Challenge this year.

“This home-grown program to share with those less fortunate than ourselves has filled both stockings and hearts over many years,” says Sue Carstens, former program chair. “Countless hours have been donated by our club members and community members to help Whitefish area children over these many years.”

Rotary’s “Magic of Christmas” in 2017 served 80 families in the Whitefish School District, including the Olney area. That’s 243 children who received warm winter clothes and toys off of their wish list.

In addition to the clothes and presents for the children, each family also received a $100 Super One gift card to help with the holiday groceries.

Without the help of the Rotary Club of Whitefish, the community and especially the Whitefish Community Foundation, the “Magic of Christmas” program would not have been able to have had this impact for 38 years.

For more information about this program or any local projects of the Rotary Club of Whitefish please speak to any member of the Rotary Club of Whitefish, or contact Joel Pemberton at joel.pemberton@edwardjones.com. Tax deductible donations may be sent to: Whitefish Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc., PO Box 5583, Whitefish, MT 59937.