While the Clarion Rotary Club takes part in many service projects, both local and international, in December, they work on a special project for Christmastime: their Secret Santa project in cooperation with local law enforcement.
This year, as they have in the past, the Rotary will be raising money to split between the Sheriff’s office and the Clarion Police Department, who divide it in envelopes for the officers and deputies to hand out, typically looking for people they know could use a little help around the holidays.
Last year, the two law enforcement agencies gave out about $3,000 total in $20 amounts. This year, they’re hoping to raise that much and more. Wright County Sheriff Jason Schluttenhofer says, “The giveaway has been a very positive experience for everyone involved, especially the folks we help out.” Clarion Police Chief Steve TerHark adds that his officers really enjoy helping people out. In the past, he notes that they have done traffic stops and given out money but they also like to hang around businesses and surprising people.
The police department and the sheriff’s office also both hope to use some of the funds for special projects, like they have in past years. They have worked to pool larger funds to provide families with groceries for Christmas dinners, clothes and toys for kids.
The Rotary is collecting the funds to give to the officers by December 13. People interested in donating can stop by First Citizens Bank where a fund has been set up. Checks can be written to the Clarion Rotary. If people are unable to get to the bank, the Rotary has set up a GoFundMe page again so people can donate online. There is a link to the page on the Clarion Rotary’s Facebook page. You can also give donations to Rotarians, including: Deb Prehm, Brooke Nerlien, Jon Ahrendsen, Steve Mulford, Sarah Zwiefel, Belva German, Rachel Johnson, Elaine Kolb, Sherri O’Brien, and Mark Skogerboe.
Both the sheriff’s office and police department also add that people can contact their offices if you know someone in need that could use that extra help this holiday season. “It’s really, really appreciated,” Chief TerHark said. “It’s been great.”
