Pigeon Forge Rotary Club continues tradition

Christmas for Kids is 30 years old This year, the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club continued a thirty-year holiday tradition. Abiding by the Rotary Club motto, “Service Above Self,” members of the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club gathered at Pigeon Forge Elementary to distribute gifts and holiday spirit to under-privileged children. A total of 252 students came through the Christmas line. They received toys, toothbrushes and toothpaste, fruit, and a five-dollar bill. Santa was also there to hear the Christmas wishes of each of the children. “I couldn’t imagine spending our Rotary Christmas party any other way,” says Rotary President Roy Helton. “This is our club members’ favorite event of the year. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces is really what it’s all about, the true meaning of Christmas.” Christmas for Kids chairman Tim Keller and his wife Dee have been shopping for the children’s gifts for the past 12 years. Over that time they came to realize that they could get more for their money by buying the gifts through wholesalers or at gift shows. By keeping the price down, they are able to provide for more children. This year approximately $25.00 was spent on each child. Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians who are members of more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in 166 countries.