Rotarians Bring Christmas Toys To Beaver Dam Kids

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Members of the Rotary Club of Mesquite delivered Christmas toys to Beaver Dam Elementary School students from preschool through 6th grade on Monday morning, Dec. 11.

The Rotarians, spearheaded by member Sharon Rae Fesbinder began a toy drive in October, as a community project with a goal of giving these kids three toys each for Christmas.Over 70 percent of the Beaver Dam student enrollment is below economic poverty line.
“Except for this project most of these kids would not have a Christmas gift,” said Kevin Boyer,

Business Manager of Littlefield School District. “We are grateful for all the compassionate caring work put into this project from the Rotary Club and Friends of Rotary.

Fesbinder spread the word she was gathering toys or money donations to purchase them, especially in Sun City where she lives. And people responded.
The Vietnam Veterans of America took on the project also and contributed many toys.
The Presbyterian Church in Mesquite came up with $500.
One individual from Sun City donated $500 in gifts.
Eureka Community Initiative donated toys collected as entry fee for Slot Tournament.
“I am amazed at how generous people in our community are,” Fesbinder said.

Rotary member Nova Mastrogiovanni, a seamstress, sewed many pouches that were filled with small stuffed animals for the younger children.

Christmas bags and wrappings were donated and taken to the school. The gifts were divided into age groups and given to the teachers. The teachers know their kids, and they selected the appropriate gift for their children to be handed out on the day before their Christmas break.

Fesbinder is so excited at how well this drive has turned out she said, “Nova and I are already planning how we can make this even nicer next year, and maybe even add a Christmas Party for the kids.”