Making a list and checking it twice. That’s the mission of Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks and its merry band of shopping elves this holiday season.

 Partnering for the second consecutive year with Sedona Oak Creek School Unified School District and its Winter Wishes project, Red Rocks Rotary is providing much needed items for 10 students selected by the district to be in the program. This year’s students that Red Rocks Rotarians will be shopping for range in age from pre-kindergarten to tenth grade. The boys and girls each complete a “wish-list” for the school district that includes clothing, shoes, an item for school use and a personal item. Wanted items included sneakers, backpacks, water bottles, toys and mechanical pencils.

 Stacy Smith the SOCUSD Registrar and coordinator of the Winter Wishes program received the initial two gift bags packed with items furnished by the Rotary club on December 11. Smith expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with Red Rocks Rotary.

 Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks established its own holiday gifting program in 2012. Every year since, Red Rocks Rotary has worked with other local charitable organizations to identify individuals, families and seniors in need during the holidays. The club has furnished everything from clothing to household items, gasoline gift cards, toys, items for sports and pet food. Seniors have received socks, blankets, yard clean-up and housekeeping services.

 Red Rocks Rotary treasurer Donna Hawk said that the club has spent an average of $2,800 per year on the program for the past 13 years. “The funds have come from both the club’s fund-raising efforts and from contributions from the individual club members. It’s always one of our favorite annual ways of giving back to those in need in our community."

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village brought holiday cheer to local families through its second annual holiday gift-wrapping event, supporting families in the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona’s Hope House.

Village Rotarians purchased and wrapped approximately 50 age-appropriate gifts, based on suggestions provided directly by program recipients. The effort ensured that children and families most in need would receive thoughtful holiday presents.

The event was led by Rotarian Holly Johnson and combined service with fellowship. Members gathered for a cheerful evening of gift wrapping followed by a potluck dinner hosted by Gary and Tracey Thie.

“This event reflects what Rotary is all about—neighbors helping neighbors,” said club President Carol Hess ..It’s a small gesture that can make a meaningful difference during the holiday season.”

The holiday gift-wrapping project is part of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village’s ongoing commitment to community support, alongside its work in youth programs, food security, veterans’ services, and local nonprofit partnerships.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Sedona Village or how to get involved, visit sedonavillagerotary.org. 

The Rotary Club of Sun City delivered supplies to Glendale’s Challenger School in the form of 200 pairs of shoes, 271 recreational reading books and 100 hygiene/dental kits. The kits included toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, soap, a comb, a brush and shampoo.

Challenger School is a Title IX school with a significant percentage of students being first-generation Americans while also coming from relatively low-income homes. School staff, teachers and PTSA determine which students have the greatest need for the supplies.

Sun City Rotary has a long history with Challenger School. This is the second time the Rotary club has bought shoes for Challenger students, but it is the first time the club provided books and hygiene kits as well. Club members have also participated in the Challenger School community Thanksgiving dinners and Winterfest celebrations. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the school’s Rotary Interact Club was one of America’s largest middle school service clubs and was active in the Challenger community. Funds for the current project were provided by the Sun City Rotary Foundation.

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village welcomed Jane Tusso, President of the Board of the Sedona Community Food Bank, as the featured speaker at its November 20 meeting. A long-time volunteer, Tusso offered an insightful look at the vital work of the Food Bank, which has operated independently for 43 years and serves Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Page Springs, and Cornville.

Tusso reported that over the past year the Food Bank assisted more than 9,600 households—representing 13,700 individuals—and distributed 259,000 pounds of food. This effort is made possible through the dedication of 54 volunteers who sustain its day-to-day operations.

Rotary members brought canned goods to the meeting as part of the Club’s ongoing support for this essential community resource. The Club expressed appreciation for the Food Bank’s continued service to area families and for Tusso’s leadership and commitment.

Community members wishing to support the Sedona Community Food Bank can learn more or make a contribution by visiting sedonafoodbank.org.