The Rotary Club of Batesville provided gifts to nearly 120 families and almost 300 children through its inaugural sponsorship of the Angel Tree project.
With support from local businesses, community members, and volunteers, the project ensured that children ages 2 to 16 received bicycles, toys, and other essential items this holiday season, the club said in a release.
“This year’s Angel Tree project was a resounding success thanks to the overwhelming support from our community and partners,” said Deanna Green, chair of the Angel Tree project for the Rotary Club of Batesville. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in making this project possible, especially our fellow Rotarians, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing joy to so many families this holiday season.”
The Angel Tree project, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Batesville this year, reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to community service, the club said in a release. Through a network of contributors, the project provided vital support to families across Independence County.
Key contributors included:
- Intimidator Group/The Toro Co.: Hosted the distribution event and provided employee participation in the gift-giving.
- FutureFuel: Transported gifts collected at its location, Citizens Bank, and First Community Bank. Employees also adopted angels and made a monetary contribution.
- Entergy: Ensured every child who requested a bicycle received one, with employee volunteers assisting at the distribution event.
- First Community Bank: Offered angel adoption opportunities for employees and the community and made a monetary donation.
- Citizens Bank, Bank of Cave City, and Centennial Bank: Served as adoption sites for community members and employees.
- LaCroix Precision Optics: Served as an adoption site and provided additional support.
- First Presbyterian Church and Old Independence Regional Museum: Provided locations for angel adoptions.
- Lyon College Athletics: Hosted a toy toss event (pictured above) to contribute to the project’s gift collection.
- Cave City High School: Organized a toy drive to expand the project’s reach.
- Local media outlets: Promoted the Angel Tree project to increase participation.
Breakfasts and lunches for volunteers were sponsored by Acrisure Insurance, Centennial Bank, Dorothy Hennings, Jay Chafin State Farm, and several anonymous donors.
The club also singled out the Independence County Department of Human Services staff, who partnered with the Rotary Club in the application process, and to the Rotary Club members who dedicated hours to the project.
“The success of this project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the true spirit of the season,” Green said. “We are already looking forward to continuing this meaningful tradition in the years to come.”
For more information about the Rotary Club of Batesville and its initiatives, visit batesvillerotary.org.
For information about the Angel Tree project, contact Deanna Green at deannagreen.2022@gmail.com.
Images: Rotary Club of Batesville volunteers sort gifts donated by community members for the Angel Tree program. Batesville Rotary Club
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