The Salem Rotary Club hosted its annual Department of Children and Families (DCF) Holiday party at Kernwood Country Club, bringing joy to foster families across the North Shore. The event featured entertainment including a visit from Santa Claus himself.Club President Carolyn Shapiro emphasized the significance of this cherished tradition, noting how Rotarians find fulfillment in bringing happiness to community families. The celebration provided over 65 children with holiday gifts and activities while enabling foster children to spend quality time with siblings who may live in separate foster homes.
Rotary members collaborated with DCF Family Resource Worker Carla King to organize the event, managing gift wrapping, transportation, setup, and cleanup.
DCF serves over 100,000 youth annually, focusing on protecting children from abuse and neglect while strengthening families through programs like foster care. The department works to provide safe homes and caring foster parents for children removed from unsafe living situations.