OLAX, Rotary Bring Holiday Joy to Our Children
Last updated 2/15/2024 at 11am
Is there anything sweeter than the shrills and happy screams of children as they run to greet Santa, sit on his lap and share their hopes for Christmas morning gifts under their trees?
This was the scene that played out Friday night, Dec. 15, as Santa and his elf arrived at Christmas Circle in a vintage American Legion Scout Car driven by Mark Dedes.
Preceded in the procession by our own Cal Fire Crew and Engines with lights and sirens ablaze, it was a most happy and joyful moment that can only happen in a caring community like Borrego Springs. Even the Grinch who showed up could not dampen the excitement that filled the air.
Organized by OLAX – Organizacion de Latinx – Friday's event brought out over 275 children and parents to Christmas Circle. Families enjoyed hot champurrado, cookies, entertainment by the Elementary ASES Dancers, a sing along with 5th graders and of course, a visit with Santa and a candy cane. There probably was no place on Earth happier than Borrego's Christmas Circle that night.
Wait, wait there was more!
After a visit with Santa, families drove over to the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center where Rotarians were poised to hand out over 400 gifts to every child, 0 – 18, in our village. As parents drove up, Rotarians and Interact Students (High School Rotarians) handed over a gift for every child in each family. Gifts were purchased by our local Borrego Springs Rotary Club as well as donated by local individuals and Rams Hill residents. Rotary is most grateful for these donations.
As one visiting tourist stated that evening, "Where in America can one find a village generous and kind enough to present a gift to every child in town?" The answer is simple – Borrego Springs. We have the recipe for success with our generous residents, our philanthropic organizations and our beloved families and children.
Happy Holidays to all!
OLAX and Borrego Springs Rotary
Note: OLAX – Organizacion de Latinx – is a local group that has come together to represent our Latinx population in all things Borrego. They recently received their non-profit, 501c3 status.
