The Rochester Rotary Club recently spread holiday cheer by creating and delivering approximately 215 “Santa Sacks” for seniors living in public housing.

Each Santa Sack included household and personal care items such as toiletries, soaps, laundry pods, tissues, and a fleece blanket, packed into a reusable shopping bag. Rotarians also added a personalized card and photo of the club members to bring a personal touch to the gifts.

“As President of the Rochester Rotary Club, my focus for the year has been meeting the needs of children in our community,” said Rotary Club President Chris Harrelson. “However, we also felt it was important to serve our elders who have contributed so much to making Rochester the great community it is.”

This initiative complements the club’s ongoing efforts to support the community. Rochester Rotary Club has spearheaded and supported various initiatives such as End 68 Hours of Hunger, Play Partners Program, and the Raider’s Pantry at Spaulding, while also providing grants for projects benefiting local children.

Rotarians Joscelyn Obrey, Cheryl Thompson, and Lisa Stanley led the Santa Sacks project, which replaced a regular club meeting with the packing event.

“We hope this small act of kindness brightens their holiday season and reminds the elders of our community that they are important, valued, and loved,” Harrelson said.

The Rochester Rotary Club remains dedicated to uplifting members of the community through its mission of “Service Above Self”.