29 PALMS ROTARY BRINGS BOOKS, SANTA (EVEN AN ELF) TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms continued their longtime tradition of encouraging kids to read by accompanying Santa and Mrs. Claus (and an Elf) as they delivered new, wrapped books to kids at three local Elementary schools December 16-19. 

Some 550 specially selected books were wrapped by the Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club, then delivered to Oasis, Twentynine Palms, and Palm Vista Elementary schools (A similar program conducted by the Marines serves Condor Elementary). Local Rotarians go into classrooms with Santa, read a book to the kids, then distribute the books to each student. The program is overseen by Rotary volunteer Randy Councell who coordinates with the club and the schools. 

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 24 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.

At Palm Vista Elementary, Rotarians and friends brought books and smiles to students. From left, Germaine Rodney, Santa’s Elf (Liz Meyer), Randy Councell, Dean of Students Elizabeth St. Martin, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Joel Klink, Glenda Councell. (Rotary Photo)

Santa Claus greets Kindergartners and brings them their own books at Palm Vista Elementary school. (Rotary Photo)   

Santa Claus visits with kids while the local Rotary Club distributes books at Twentynine Palms Elementary (Rotary Photo

Rotarian Gary Daigneault reads a fun story about a snowflake to kids at Palms Vista Elementary School (Rotary Photo)