Rotarians fill needy children’s Christmas wish lists
During the Christmas season, children increasingly anticipate what types of gifts they’ll find under their trees.
But because of circumstances, some youngsters might not be anticipating much of anything.

Harry Funk / The Almanac
Harry Funk / The Almanac
McMurray Rotary Club member Colleen Dachille wraps a present.
McMurray Rotary Club members are remedying the situation for some of them.
For the past several holiday seasons, the club has been receiving information about needy families from the Peters Township Food Pantry. In turn, club members fill wish lists for children with age-appropriate presents.
This year, 19 children in 12 families, ranging in age from two months to 12 years, are the recipients of gifts wrapped by Rotarians and their families during their annual “Santa’s Workshop,” held Dec. 12 at Peace Lutheran Church, where the food pantry operates.
Don Angel, McMurray Rotary Club director of new generations youth service, organizes the effort, and each year he brings his children, Troy and Emilie – along with their mother, Kim – to do some wrapping.
“It allows our kids to get a hands-on experience, because I don’t think they see on a day-to-day basis the true need in the township where they’re growing up,” Don explained.
As for him taking the initiative to lend a helping hand:

Harry Funk / The Almanac
Harry Funk / The Almanac
Emilie Angel gets ready to wrap gifts.
“I have an appreciation for service and also for making sure kids get the type of holiday that I think we’re all accustomed to believe they should get.”
Assisting the Rotarians were Jim and Melissa Richardson who know the Angels and expressed interest in their children, Ethan and Megan, participating in a philanthropic activity.
“It’s important for them to know what they can do to give back to our community,” Jim said. “It’s best to teach them early. That’s what we’re trying to do, to set a good example.”
Ethan said he emphasizes with youngsters who look forward to Christmas morning.
“It’s better when you wake up and have something instead of being without anything.”

Harry Funk / The Almanac
Harry Funk / The Almanac
Samantha Grant tapes a well-wrapped present.