Clarkston Rotary says Thank You Community -
Clarkston children benefit from “Shoes for Kids”
 
The Clarkston Rotary has been proudly involved in a club published “Goodfellow type” newspaper sales as a service project for the past 79 years.
“Shoes for Kids” has been the Clarkston Rotary’s signature community service project for the past 40 years. The collaborative efforts of not only Rotary members and family members, friends of Rotary and community volunteers help to bring each year’s project to fruition. Over the past 23 years we have been fortunate to be able to provide for over 9,400 Clarkston school kids, made possible because the Clarkston community generosity in donating over $325,000 for this truly community wide service project. 100% of all donations are used solely for “Shoes for Kids”.
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to sincerely thank all of those who so generously donated during the recent newspaper sales in early December on local streets and at holiday activities. The spirit of the donors was encouragement for those collecting.  Over one hundred volunteers were active during the two day event. Many first time volunteers have promised that they will be back next year.
            On December 14th, 457 Clarkston School children were hosted at Oakland Woods Baptist Church and each child were able to select their own new winter boots, shoes, hats, and gloves. Over 40 people were involved on Friday night setting up 1,651 pairs of shoes and boots, as well as a room of hats and gloves. On Saturday, 160 volunteers worked in two hour shifts providing for 38 children every half hour and helped fit over 900 pairs of shoes and boots.  There were a lot of happy children wearing new shoes, boots and smiles that afternoon.
            The Clarkston Rotary would like to express its gratitude and appreciation by acknowledging the following groups, organizations and businesses for helping make this one of the best years:
            ● A special thank you to The Clarkston NewsDon RushPublisher and his staff for preparing and printing the special Clarkston Rotary’s Goodfellow edition, along with the efforts of Past-President Mary Sloan, who edited and prepared the featured articles.
             ● We are truly grateful to Oakland Woods Baptist Church, Pastor Steve Sheridan and the congregation for again hosting the annual distribution day. Church members volunteered their time to help insure that both projects are an absolute success.
             ● The City of the Village of Clarkston for use of their office space as our newspaper headquarters. It was a place to warm up and enjoy a variety of food items from local restaurants and grocery stores.
            ● To Lighthouse of Oakland County, the Clarkston Community School administration, Social Workers, teachers and staff for their efforts in getting families signed up.
            ● Mark Kelly (MPK Photography) and his staff for taking memorable family photos with Santa.
            ● A Very Merry Christmas 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. Santa just continues to make the day special and memorable.
            ● To Neiman’s Family Market for their continued support of all of the Clarkston community projects and especially for their on-going support of the Clarkston Rotary.
            ● To Union Joints (Wood Shop and Union), Hamlin Pub, Brioni’s Café and Deli, Neiman’s Family Market, Hungry Howie’s and Tim Horton’s for their commitment and dedication in providing and supporting the 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. The items donated allow the children to pick the perfect hat and gloves to go with their new shoes and boots.
            ● To Gott’s Auto Repair for use of their truck and cargo trailer.
            ● To all of the volunteers, friends, and family members of the Clarkston Rotary Club who gave so generously of their time, energy, and donations this year and for being a true gift to so many Clarkston children.
The Clarkston Rotary Club, family members and the many volunteers would like to say thank you to the Clarkston community for your continued support of “Shoes for Kids” in that together ‘We Can Make a Difference in a Child’s Life’.
Interested in learning about the Clarkston Rotary Club or in participating or volunteering in either event in 2020 please seek us out at clarkstonrotary.org or by calling Joel DeLong at 248-625-9741.
 
Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas
and a Peaceful New Year
The Clarkston Rotary Club,
Joel DeLong & his family  
“Shoes for Kids” Chair