Rotary patio for orphans

Over 35 Arcadia Rotarians, along with family and friends, joined Tijuana Rotarians and three members of the Montebello Rotary Club in building a 60-foot patio to provide shade and comfort to the children of Tijuana’s Hogar Los Angelitos Orphanage. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – by Anne Donofrio-Holter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Arcadia Rotarian Dick Martinez has been responsible for spearheading various projects at the orphanage for the past 34 years. “When we arrived, before fully standing up straight after the long drive, the children ran to hug us all and the welcoming alone was more than worth the stay of the day,” said Arcadia Rotarian Mary J. Salcedo.

Arcadia Rotarians Tom Crosby and Mike Real went right to work organizing the volunteers while others kept the children occupied with crafts and games and away from the construction site. “It was wonderful to see the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” in action as all of us got right down to work building a top quality structure from scratch,” said Real.

Volunteers also manned the grill preparing over 175 chili dogs for the kids and hungry workers. “We also distributed gifts, toys and provided a much-needed sweatshirt to every child, plus extras for other children due to arrive at the orphanage,” said Salcedo. “We are extremely thankful to everyone for the great work they did here today,” said Ed Perry, orphanage director. “Thank you for your time and efforts, the food and the sweatshirts and other gifts for the children.” “To see the joy and enthusiasm on Ed’s face when we were done was well worth the early morning drive and the stiffness from using muscles we normally don’t use in our regular jobs,” said Real. “The children were happy, excited and thankful for the attention and activities our group provided,” said Salcedo. “They asked all of us to return again, while some of them cried when we left at the end of the day.” “It was just another day in the life of Arcadia Rotary where we could serve others with our talents and gifts,” added Jack McRae.