Each December, the Centennial Rotary Club brings the spirit of giving to life through one of its most cherished traditions, the Santa Clothes project. This annual event pairs volunteers with children from local organizations such as Hope Ignites and CASA, taking them on a shopping spree for new clothing and essentials. For many of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever chosen something brand new for themselves. For the Rotarians, it’s a reminder of why they serve.
Founded in 2001, the Centennial Rotary Club began the same year the City of Centennial was incorporated. Sponsored by the Highlands Ranch Rotary Club, it started with nineteen charter members, including the city’s first mayor, Randy Pye. Today, five of those founding members remain active, continuing the club’s mission of service, integrity, and community leadership. Guided by Rotary International’s seven focus areas, from education and health to peace and sustainability, the Centennial club supports both local and global efforts, balancing compassion with action.
The motto “Service Above Self” is more than a phrase for its members; it’s a way of life. Stories circulate among them of everyday kindness, like keeping “blessing bags” in their cars for those in need, or traveling across borders to help build homes for families they’ve never met. Each act, no matter how small, carries the same purpose: to make the world better for someone else.
To fund projects like Santa Clothes, the Rotary Club hosts five main fundraising events each year, raising nearly $50,000 through the Centennial Rotary Foundation. These include the Mayor’s State of Our City luncheon each May, beverage booths at Centennial Under the Stars and Sip in Centennial, the popular Palisade Peach & Pear Sale, and a new annual Pickleball Tournament launched in 2025. Every dollar earned goes back into programs that strengthen the community, whether through youth support, education, or global outreach.
The Santa Clothes tradition itself began nearly two decades ago when member Diane Zing learned about it from a fellow Rotarian in Las Vegas. Inspired, she and the Centennial club brought the project home, and it quickly became a signature service event. Over time, more Rotary clubs across the district joined in, expanding the effort to serve over one hundred children each year.
On shopping day, volunteers and children gather at Kohl’s Department Store, where the generosity begins before the doors even open. Kohl’s graciously opens early at 6:45 a.m., brings in additional staff to assist, and stacks every available discount to stretch each dollar as far as possible. Their partnership ensures that the $130 to $140 allotted per child goes much further, allowing kids to select more clothing and essentials than they ever imagined. Rotarians then help guide them through the aisles, encouraging choices that reflect both need and joy.
For many children, the idea of choosing something for themselves feels foreign. Volunteers often describe the hesitation, the quiet disbelief, as they gently encourage each child to pick something they truly want. As the morning goes on, that hesitation turns to joy. “It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming,” one volunteer shared. “Heartbreaking to realize how new this experience is for them, but heartwarming to see the transformation, their pride and confidence shining through.”
Among the many memories, one story continues to stand out. Years ago, after shopping for more than sixty children, a volunteer discovered her wallet was missing. Hours later, it was found, returned by a young boy and his social worker, who had found it in a shopping cart. The boy didn’t stay to give his name, only saying he had to hurry because “Santa had a special surprise waiting for him.” That surprise was the Rotary event itself. The same boy who found the wallet was one of the children they had shopped for that morning.
Each year, the impact of Santa Clothes ripples far beyond the store aisles. Children walk away not just with new clothes but with a renewed sense of self-worth. Volunteers leave humbled and inspired, reminded that giving time and attention can change a life.
Looking ahead, the Centennial Rotary Club hopes to grow the event even further by inviting local businesses and sponsors to join the cause. With more funding and volunteers, they can serve more children, reaching deeper into communities across the region, from Castle Rock to Northern Colorado and beyond.
For the Centennial Rotary Club, Santa Clothes is more than a holiday tradition. It’s a reflection of who they are, a group of people united by service, generosity, and the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can spark something extraordinary.
Get Involved with Centennial Rotary
The Centennial Rotary Club meets weekly to plan service projects, build connections, and strengthen the community. Chartered in 2001, the club supports local and international efforts that align with Rotary’s seven areas of focus, including education, health, and economic development.
New members, sponsors, and volunteers are always welcome. Whether you have a few hours or a full season to give, your time and talent make a difference.
Learn more: www.centennialrotaryclub.org
Follow: @CentennialRotaryClub
www.facebook.com/Centennial.Rotary.Club
Meetings: Tuesdays at 7:10 a.m.
Location: The Village Work, Wellness & Event Center,
7173 S. Havana St, Suite 100, Centennial, CO 80112
“Santa Clothes reminds us that the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped in paper, they’re wrapped in compassion, connection, and the joy of seeing a child’s confidence bloom.”