Jingle and Mingle: A Festive Evening with the Sterling Heights Rotary!

Determining who enjoys the occasion more—the Rotary Club of Sterling Heights or the children from the Physically or Otherwise Health Impaired program of the Macomb Intermediate Schools District—proves challenging when they unite for their yearly Christmas celebration.

For over three decades, a festivity has taken place just prior to the holiday season. This year, the Christmas gathering concluded at the MISD main office in Clinton Township.

“We catered a meal for roughly 300 individuals including the POHI children, their siblings and parents, educators, along with our Rotary Club members and additional assisting volunteers,” stated longtime Rotarian Marty Brown. He mentioned being unaware of the names of many of the helpers who arrived to lend a hand.

“We ‘intercepted’ the gift requests from the kids through their parents and wrapped the presents. Special letters were dispatched to educators and parents requesting the top three gift selections for the children. We operated online to fulfill very particular requests.

“We were extremely meticulous about affixing the correct name tags. Upon reaching Santa Claus, everyone, including siblings, received something they desired — to hold or to unbox. Each child possesses distinct needs and abilities. Parents must bring extra items like diapers and other supplies. It creates significant extra work for them, thus providing them with at least one extraordinary day is meaningful,” Brown articulated.

“Santa distributed gifts to every well-behaved child — all of them. Additionally, dinner, snacks, and desserts were provided. Christmas carols were sung, sunglasses were worn, crafts were engaged in, balloon animals were sculpted, faces were painted, delightful skits were performed, music was played, and fun was had. It was a remarkable celebration. Special appreciation goes to event lead Clark Andrews, local Boy Scouts, Rotarians, their families, and numerous volunteers, particularly the POHI educators, for turning this cheerful event into something extraordinary,” expressed Brown, a retired chiropractor.

Boy Scout Troop 1402 contributed volunteers.

“A restaurant named Lettuce in Utica generously donated salads. That was genuinely kind. I believe they have a relative with special needs and expressed their desire to contribute. They realized it would be significant. We sponsor a few boy scout troops, and they joined to assist.