On December 9, Rotary members from four District 7430 Berks County Rotary Clubs gathered at Opportunity House in Reading, in collaboration with Princess with a Purpose. They provided gifts for the children to select presents for their moms and dads for eighteen children from seven Opportunity House families.
The gifts were wrapped with care so the children could give their parents holiday gifts they might not otherwise receive. Additionally, the children received special bags of presents from Santa’s elves.
Participating Rotary Clubs and Members: Rotary Club of Reading: Virginia Dodge, Diann Connor, Migdalia Nieves, Teodora Cappello, Rotary Club of West Reading Wyomissing: Terri Hill, Gail Landis, Jill Meade, Rotary Club of Spring Township: Marie Smith, Cindy Lightner and Rotary Club of Fleetwood: Loretta Ottinger, Helen Midouhas.
Virginia Dodge, the founder of Princess with a Purpose, said, “this unique holiday event brought heartfelt delight to all involved, as we experienced the excitement of the children. From the moment they picked out their gift bags for their Moms and Dads, to their sometimes spirited, sometimes well thought out shopping, to creating a craft gift item they designed and made, to being given a little gift bag just for them, to top off the fun, there were giant smiles on every one of their faces from beginning to end.”
Bianca Ruiz, the Director of the S.M.I.L.E Program at Opportunity House, expressed, “This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to shop for their parents and give them something special this holiday season. We are deeply grateful for the women who contributed tonight, enabling others to give as well.”