ESCANABA — For the Rotary Club of Escanaba, children in Delta County are most important. They are the service organization’s top priority.

“Our primary outreach is to children, especially those with special needs,” said President Kel Smyth. “We really work to help improve their lives as best we can.”

Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club has provided several activities, programs and events for these children throughout the years, made possible by a trust fund from monetary donations.

Perhaps one of the most popular of these activities is The Rotary Camp Harstad, put on by the club and the YMCA of Delta County. The spot, nestled in the woods along Lake Michigan, offers a summer day camp program at which children with special needs can develop physical fitness and make friends.

Children with special needs can also participate in a swimming program offered at the YMCA and a Christmas party at St. Anne’s Church each year. “In the basement of the church, we all have lunch. Santa arrives and gives presents to the children,” said Secretary Marc Tall. “It’s a wonderful event.”

In addition, the organization’s trust fund provides teens with special needs the opportunity to compete for a scholarship. Monies raised at the Rotary Club’s annual wine tasting party also benefit projects for these children as well as the Make-a-Wish Foundation (a charity that serves kids with life-threatening medical conditions, helping make it possible to grant their wishes).

The Rotary Club also supports various activities, organizations and charities throughout Delta County, including two little league teams each year — one boys’ team, one girls’ — the Youth Assistance Project (“a very worthwhile organization that helps local youth,” said Tall), the United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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