Del Mar Rotary Club brings Christmas cheer to children

The Rotary Club of Del Mar once again brought the holiday spirit to children from St. Leo’s Head Start-Easter Seals Preschool in Solana Beach on Dec. 11 at Hilton San Diego-Del Mar. Del Mar Rotary has hosted a Christmas party for the preschool every year since 1991.

“This is one of our signature projects,” said Pat Dougherty, the club’s immediate past president and this year’s party organizer. “We look forward to sitting down with these kids and sharing time with them each year. It’s real special.”

Each child received lunch, a stocking, a gift and a chance to visit with Santa. Students from Torrey Pines High School’s Interact Club, a Rotary-sponsored community service club, also brought presents and visited with the roughly 80 children, ages 3-5. Rotary club member and Solana Beach resident Dr. Ed Siegel played the piano and sang holiday tunes with the children.

“It is nice to be part of getting kids off to a head start, extending them generosity that they might not ordinarily receive at home due to finances or family makeup,” Dougherty said.

For more information about Del Mar Rotary, visit www.delmarrotary.org.