​29 PALMS ROTARY CONTINUES TRADITION OF HOLIDAY BOOK GIVEAWAY

Members of the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club are continuing a long tradition of giving books to students at local elementary schools for Christmas.

At a recent meeting Rotarians stamped 525 specially selected books with a message that they were gifts from the Rotary Club. Holiday book giveaway Chairman Randy Councell said the club has been giving the books to local elementary students for at least the past 15 years.

The stamped books will be given away to Oasis, Palm Vista, and 29 Palms Elementary school students in the second week of December. Condor Elementary already has a similar program supported by the Marine Base. The club members go into classrooms, read a book to the kids, and then distribute them. Santa Claus and an elf or two often join in the lighthearted fun. 

Councell said the project is to enhance a love of reading at an early age as well as giving the youngsters the pride of ownership of a book. It is hoped it will spur more reading at home. 

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms. Chartered in 1948, has 22 members and is currently looking for area citizens interested in community service to join them. They meet on Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the Desert meeting hall. More information is available at Rotary29.org.

Photo:
From left, Rotarians Jayme Waite, Don Thursby, and Liz Meyer prepare books to give to local elementary school students. (Rotary Club photo)