In this bleak mid-winter, frosty winds indeed do blow. We West Michiganders have endured a surprise blizzard and many weeks of gloom with just a few paltry hours of dim sunlight leaking through. We’ve also have had to withstand the relentless gale of sadness, worry, and anger from the news. As the President brings his traveling road show to Kalamazoo this week, back in D.C. impeachment stokes the two alternate realities that continue to threaten to carve the “U” out of “USA.” And it’s not just here. Look to London, Beijing, New Delhi, Kyiv, or Greenland—you don’t need to consider yourself a snowflake to see that things seem to be melting down. Fast.

Ah, but our economy’s good. Holiday deals, doorbusters, and deadlines flog us to spend just a little bit more than last year. If you’re into that sort of thing, there is a bright side, I guess.

But those of us seeking the light of enduring hope through the dark fog of gloom this Christmas season may need to look elsewhere for it.

And so, we bring you good news of a (potentially) great joy…

This spring, Saugatuck and Douglas will see the launch of a permanent new Boys & Girls Club to support our schoolchildren. We have raised enough to start and fund the effort through the 2020-21 school year. If all goes well between now and late March, dependable and proven enrichment programs will bring hope to them and their families every afternoon and throughout the summer. Our kids will engage with professional staff and a host of volunteer mentors and tutors to become more of who they were created to be—healthier and more alert students; more engaged lifelong learners; better citizens of stronger character.

…and perhaps they will be more hopeful adults, God willing.

This achievement will have been the result of over a year of planning, organizing, and fundraising by the Boys & Girls Clubs, Saugatuck Public Schools, and our mighty little Rotary Club. But it hasn’t been us alone. The credit and thanks go to many of YOU. If you have helped us by volunteering at the July 4th and Mt. Baldhead fundraisers, we thank you. If you wrote a check, we thank you. Even if you simply cheered us on and sent us your good thoughts, we thank you.

Of the funds raised so far, not one dime comes from government. This has been a citizens’ campaign completely. At the end of the year, we are hoping to raise sustaining funding for 2021-22 and beyond. You may donate by clicking this “Donate Now” link or the button on the above right, or send a check made out to SD Rotary marked “SPS” to PO Box 211, Douglas, MI 49406. A gift of $500 covers the costs of an entire year for one child–$10 a week, $2 a day.

The wisdom of the Scriptures continues to ring down through the centuries directly to us here, now:

“Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.”

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! “And God bless us, every one.”