Rotary Club of Whitefish is organizing its 33rd annual “Magic of Christmas” program to help children in need during the holidays.

“This home grown program to share with those less fortunate than ourselves has filled both stockings and hearts over many years,” says program chair Sue Carstens. “Countless hours have been donated by our club members and community members to help Whitefish area children over these many years.”

The club is expecting even more requests this winter than in past years, Carstens said.

“We need the support of the entire Whitefish community to help as many of these children as we possibly can.”

Individuals, businesses and groups can adopt families and shop for the children in that family. Once the gifts are purchased, wrapped and tagged, they are delivered during normal working hours to Park Side Credit Union or the Whitefish Credit Union, both located in Whitefish.

The gifts are due by Monday, Dec. 16. Rotarians deliver them anonymously on Christmas Eve morning.

Anyone wishing to adopt a family can do so at Cenex Zip Trip in Whitefish beginning Nov. 27 through Dec. 13. 

Rotary will have a table in front of Imagination Station at the Whitefish Christmas Stroll on Dec. 13 with families for adoption. Details about each child in the family are given, including sizes, ages, clothing needs, and each child’s Christmas wish list.

If you want to help but adopting a family is not possible, other ways of contributing include financial donations or volunteering time to wrap gifts.

All donations go directly to gifts of clothing and toys for the children.

Contact Sue Carstens at Carstens@centurytel.net or 270-2760. 

Tax deductible donations may be sent to: 

Whitefish Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc., PO Box 5583, Whitefish, MT 59937.