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Rotary donates toys to Salvation Army
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Posted on Dec 22 2011
Members of the Rotary Club of Saipan donated toys to the Salvation Army at their Christmas party at the Hyatt Regency Saipan poolside Tuesday night.
Rotary officers led by president Pete Igitol presented about 50 toys to Salvation Army ministry leader Wayne Gillespie and wife Annie Gillespie. Rotary’s toy drive is part of the faith-based organization’s annual toy drive for children of the less fortunate.
Igitol said they have been donating toys at the hospital or other beneficiaries. This year was the Salvation Army’s turn.
“We’re very thankful that we have some generous hearts. That despite the hardships we’re going through right now, we’re able to receive toys, thinking about the children that need them. To the children, keep your spirits up and never let your problems dominate you,” Igitol told Saipan Tribune.
The Gillespies said the toys will help bring holiday joy to some 30 children they serve at the Salvation Army.
Wayne Gillespie said the toys will make the children feel that people love and remember them. “We’re really grateful to the Rotary Club for helping us with our toy drive this year,” he said.
Wayne Gillespie said there are other organizations, businesses, and individuals—some of whom wanted to remain anonymous—that supported their toy drive.
Annie Gillespie said that while the island community is small, people are always willing to cooperate and provide support. “We’re very fortunate to have a community like this,” she added.
Salvation Army board member Lucy Norita-Shilling, for her part, said, “Despite difficult times, when you say that children are in need, people don’t even hesitate to give. They’re really being generous.”
She said the toys will be presented to the children’s parents today so they can give distribute them in time for Christmas.
The Gillespies added that the Salvation Army’s soup kitchen will be open on Saturday. “It won’t be a full blown celebration like Thanksgiving but it will be a decent Christmas dinner,” said Wayne Gillespie.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Kettle program at the Joeten Superstore is doing “fairly well.” Community members will have until Saturday, Christmas Eve, to donate money or non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army’s programs.
