As the winter holidays approach, the work of the Wachusett Area Rotary Club (WARC) highlights what it means to live out the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” Over the last several months, WARC — serving the towns of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, and West Boylston — has organized a number of projects aimed at bringing comfort and hope during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.
Thanksgiving, Christmas — and a Blanket Drive with Heart
• For many years, the Club has donated turkeys at Thanksgiving to local food pantries and senior centers — helping families and seniors who may struggle with food insecurity.
• In the same spirit, WARC donates hams at Christmas, so that seniors and families who may need a little help during the holidays have something substantial on their holiday table.
• New this year is our Holiday Blanket Drive for Seniors in assisted living. Many of these seniors have no family to visit them or bring them gifts. Through a community-wide call to action — including an Amazon wish list and local drop-off option at West Boylston Middle‑High School — we have already collected over 160 donated throw blankets to bring warmth and comfort to seniors in assisted living this season.
Why We Do It: More Than Charity, It’s Community
At its core, the Rotary Club is not just about donations; it's about neighborhood, fellowship, and humanity. The drives we run provide more than material help. They give neighbors dignity, warmth, a sense of belonging, and the reassurance that someone cares.
Join Us — You Can Help
If you’re someone who enjoys connecting with others, giving back in small but meaningful ways, and being part of a group that cares about its community, we invite you to consider joining us. Rotary is a friendly, welcoming place for people who simply want to make a positive difference — whether that means lending a hand at a project, sharing ideas, or just showing up to support neighbors when it matters.
We meet weekly on Friday mornings at the Holden Municipal Light Department, 1 Holden Street, from 7:15 – 8:30 am for breakfast! Guests are always welcome, and visiting a meeting is the best way to get a feel for who we are, what we do, and the impact we make together. We also have projects coming up where you can join us, like our popular Left-Right-Center tournament to be held at The Manor in West Boylston this coming February.
May your holidays be filled with warmth, community, and comfort
– The Wachusett Area Rotary Club