In a description of the past month, members of the UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club described December as “a wonderfully busy month for most and no exception” for the club.
The big highlight of the club’s recent activities include the final tally showing more than 718 people joined in on Breakfast with Santa in the event’s 22nd year Dec. 6.
But that’s just the beginning of the holiday spirit in Whitewater. The Toys for Kids program resulted in a total of 238 children whose families utilize the Whitewater Food Pantry receiving a special toy or game under their Christmas tree.
Toys for Kids includes the following participating partners: First Congregational United Church of Christ, First English Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Whitewater Police Department, Provisur Technologies, Inc., Labelle Studio & Gallery, the Whitewater High School Octagon Club, Rocky Rococo Pizza and optimist club members along with numerous community members who gave of their time and gifts.
And to ensure kids throughout the Whitewater Unified School District will stay warmer this winter, the Mitten Tree Project was once again a huge success, according to the club. The project has been around since 1991 and includes the collection from members of the community of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for elementary school children in Whitewater.
With space given each year in their lobbies, Commercial Bank, Associated Bank and First Citizens State Bank continues to support the project as they have done year after year.
On Dec. 16, WUSD representatives Mary Geraghty, Social Worker, and Lenora Helm, special education/pupil services director, were presented the multitudes of mittens and more by club president Dave Halbach and project member Connie Murray.
Additionally, the WUSD Family Emergency Fund was presented a check for $1,000 by the club, thanks to another successful year of fundraising projects. The fund is supported solely by donations, to assist families within the school district in times of need.
The UW-W/Community Optimist club is always accepting new members to help make a “difference in the life of a child.” For more information contact the club through its blog at blogs.uww.edu/uwwcommunityoptimist/.
