Beckley, WV –Beckley Rotary Club’s third annual “Christmas Magic” will focus on middle school students and part of the club’s 100-year anniversary. The club is gifting 100 hoodies to Raleigh County middle schools, 20 per school.
School Counselors will pick up the hoodies from a team of elves who sorted, wrapped, and separated the gifts.
(for media coverage of the pickup)
December 20th at 10:30 a.m.
Stewards Individual Placements,
330 Harper Park Drive Suite I, Beckley
According to club president, April Elkins-Badtke, the hoodies will feature respective school mascots on the front, in an athletic/heather gray color.
Traditionally, Beckley Rotary Club has worked with local schools to put a little magic in the holidays for those who may not get to experience the excitement of something under the tree or something new of their very own.
“In the past, the most we’ve been able to help was 40 kids. But this year the club was able to meet the challenge of 100 kids in honor of our 100th year as a club,” said Badtke.
The focus this year was on an older demographic of school-aged children.
“Today, all the rave with kids centers around the newest item of clothing and hoodies are the thing-you dress them up, you dress them down, they go with jeans, a dress, or shorts,” said Badtke. “School-sponsored hoodies are upwards of $50 or more, and many students simply are not able to participate in spirit day or be equal to their peers.”
Each recipient will also receive a small gift card.
Beckley Rotary members raised $6005 to create this Christmas Magic. We are grateful for the contributions of Jordan Woolridge, Dennis McCormick, Jimmy Songer, Glenda Wait, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Mike Darby, Tom Lemke, Gary Schroeder, Dena Cushman, Jeremiah Johnson, Trena Dacal, Stan Wise, Rob Robinson, Mark Holliday, Ken Dunlap, Ann Worley, Dan McCarthy, Jan Allen, and April Elkins-Badtke. Additionally, Country Roads Farmhouse Boutique designed and pressed the hoodies.
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Beckley Rotary Club began on March l, 1922, and with 25 charter members. Today the club has more than 100 members dedicated to “Service Above Self.” In celebration of 100 years of service, Christmas Magic marks the 9th service project this year to provide 100 items to meet a specific community need.
Here’s the list of 100s
Blankets-Jan
Jeans for teens -Feb
Bras/under garments for AWAY shelter -Mar
Prom Dresses -April
Nightlights for CASA – June/July
Pencils – Aug
Books – Sept
Halloween Costumes – Oct
Hoodies – Dec