Maricopa Optimists bring holiday cheer to Head Start students

Members of the Optimist Club of Maricopa brightened the holidays for Pinal Gila Community Child Services Head Start students in Maricopa.

There are 40 students, 20 girls and 20 boys, in the local Head Start program. The 3-5 year olds attend classes at the new center located at 44931 W. Edwards Ave.

“I’ve taught children of all ages, but this is the group I like the best,” said Head Start teacher Sherri Frohling.

Optimist Club members gathered on Tuesday, Dec. 14, to prepare the gift bags for the children, containing candy, toys, fruit and other small items.

Grace Gomez and Renate Chamberlin distributed the gifts the following Thursday morning, eliciting smiles and thank yous from the children.
 
The gift giving is an annual project for the Optimists. “Our focus is on needy children,” said Chamberlin, the club treasurer.

The Optimist Club of Maricopa meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Maricopa, 18705 N. John Wayne Parkway. Guests are always welcome.

For more information about the Optimists, call 520-568-4931.  
 
Photo by Joyce Hollis