La Mirada City Manager Tom Robinson said, "This is what it's all about. These are great kids who are going to have a little brighter Christmas as a result of this program Rotary provides. The La Mirada Kiwanis has a similar event, and together they are helping out a lot of folks."

 

"It's also a great opportunity for our public safety officials to come out and mingle with the community, Robinson said, "and the smiles you see from them and the other adults participating here today are really something special. It's almost as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids-if not more."

Member and past president for La Mirada Rotary, Mark Troughton said, "This is our big daddy. We're a small club but we spend a lot of money. We raise funds all year long for this event, which is our biggest of the year. We look forward to this and talk about it all the time. We get all psyched up for this."

Troughton noted the importance of picking a La Mirada business to participate, "We try to keep it in La Mirada, and we are very lucky to have Marshall's here for us, to open an hour early and for their employees to volunteer their time also. The kids love it and they go home with a nice bag of gifts."

Marshall's store manager Allen Reynolds said, "We open up early just for them and we have some our employees volunteering to help find merchandise and assist with prices. We really enjoy being a part of this event."

Troughton explained that after the shopping, the kids would be picked by La Mirada Transit busses and taken over to The Palms retirement home. There, they will be greeted by the residents with a little party, including refreshments and Santa, bearing presents.

The Palms Enrichment Coordinator Lynne Islei told us "the residents get excited when the kids are coming for presents; they really look forward to it."

La Mirada Rotary Club formed in June 1956 and has included members such as Cor Van Dam of Valley View Farms, a charter member who had 50 years of perfect attendance before he passed away a few years ago.

Tom Polley is the President of the club. His parents, Fred (also a charter member) and Geraldine Polley, published La Mirada's famous Polley's Bluebook Directory from 1957-1997.

To join or get other information about on La Mirada Rotary call (562) 690-4292.

Photo above: LA County Sheriff's Detective Marc Sierra helps a La Mirada youngster pick out some clothes.

Enjoy more photos from this event. Visit the La Mirada Blog on Flickr: www.flickr.com/lamiradablog