Lions and Rotarians help Tehachapi's less fortunate

The Rotary Club of Tehachapi and the Tehachapi Lions Club have been working hard to make sure seniors have what they need to enjoy this holiday season. Both clubs selflessly serve the community's less fortunate residents.

Lions Club president Vicki Satalino said that for the last ten years or so, Tehachapi's Lions teamed up with the Bakersfield Christmas For Seniors program, which has been featured on KGET 17 News. "There are so many programs for children," she said, "but we don't have a whole lot for seniors."

The Lions Club collects sundries donated by the community from various drop-off locations like the Village Grill. Sundries can include toiletries, clothing, cleaning products, and other basic necessities which might be difficult for seniors on lower and fixed incomes to afford. "I could tell you some sad stories," said Satalino. Seniors often have to choose between something important (like laundry detergent) and something vital (like prescription medications). "No one should have to" make a choice like that, she said. The Lions plan to deliver around 35 boxes to seniors.

The Rotary Club came up with a 12-day plan for people to donate food items from a specified list for seniors and needy families in the community. Fittingly, they named this drive 12 Days of Christmas. Items included things like peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, soup and crackers.

Rotarian Rhonda Brady explained that 12 Days of Christmas started last year when the Senior Center stopped serving lunch because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She pointed out that charitable groups must be flexible to meet the needs of people where they are. "The community of Tehachapi always comes together to help the most needy," she said.

Pastor Chris Frost of the Mountain Bible Church graciously allowed the Rotary Club space to organize and assemble their food care packages.

The Lions Club's motto is "We Serve." For more information about the Tehachapi Lions Club, please visit their website, where current contact information is listed: http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/tehachapi/contact.php .

The Rotary Club motto is "Service Above Self." For more information about their 12 Days of Christmas and other humanitarian projects, please reach out to Rhonda Brady: (562) 900-1696.