Local rotary club "adopts" Southern Hills Elementary students for Christmas
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: December 20, 2012
Some local families received Christmas presents for their children at an area school Thursday thanks to the generosity of a local rotary club.
"It's such a blessing," said Dawn & Timothy Kaylor, parents.
Dawn and Timothy Kaylor are so thankful to members of the Southwest Shreveport Rotary club.
"It actually warms my heart there's people out there like the rotary club people," said Dawn.
Their first grade and third grade daughters were adopted by the club for Christmas. Every year, the club buys gifts for students whose parents need help during the holidays.
"My two sons went to Southern Hills Elementary so it just means a lot to be able to come back and do things for kids that go to school here, people who live in our community," said Lenny Ramsey, rotary club member.
Ramsey tears up as he watches parents pick-up the presents.
"A lot of time and effort went into it by a lot of people. We're just thrilled to be able to give back," said Ramsey.
55 students from 21 families at Southern Hills were adopted by rotary club members.
The Kaylors can't believe all of the wonderful toys, clothes, and other goodies that fill their daughters' bags.
"With us, I've been out of work sick and I just been able to return to work. Money's tight," said Timothy.
Principal Jesse Scott says the program gives students and parents something to look forward to.
"We're just a big family here at Southern Hills. It does a lot for our hearts to see our parents - make them happy - then, they're providing for our children," said Scott.
The Southwest Shreveport Rotary Club works closely with area schools. In addition to adopting students at Christmas time, club members donate school uniforms and mentor students at Southern Hills Elementary.
