The season’s colors may be red and green, but local Rotarians are helping bring smiles with a touch of blue.

On Dec. 13, members of the Rotary Club of Sequim and family members came together to organize a surprise gift for many Boys &Girls Club members, presenting more than 275 youths with their own personal hooded sweatshirt — in Boys &Girls Club blue — as a Christmas gift.

In addition, 100 youths not present at the club will receive their hoodies when they next attend the club.

Months ago, with Rotary Club of Sequim’s president Ed Ebling’s endorsement, The Rotary Club of Sequim members chose to present the hoodies to local youths in lieu of treating themselves to a Christmas party. About 90 percent of membership agreed. Each member contributed several hundreds of dollars to make this project come to life; hoodies were screen-printed in the community.

“Now the kids will have their winter coat,” club executive director (and Rotarian) Mary Budke said.

Ebling and son Will, 5, spent the afternoon along with other Rotarians personalizing each hoodie with the child’s name. Some Rotarians even received thank you hugs.

First-graders sang several Christmas songs for the Rotarians and all the children came together to yell a big, “Thank you.”

Many of the 25 Rotary of Sequim members were present to help, including Budke, Ebling, Bob Macaulay (and his wife Kelly), Dave Mattingley (and his wife Patsy), Dr. Scott Brooksby, Grant Gilliam, Lang Hadley (and his wife Mary), Vicki Blakesley, Bob Hitchcock, A.J. Hitchcock, Dick Hughes and Rochelle McHugh.

The Rotary Club of Sequim delivers hooded sweatshirts to the Sequim Boys & Girls Club last week. Rotarian Rochelle McHugh is in the foreground, with Dave and Patsy Mattingley, Bob Macaulay and Mary Hadley in the background. Submitted photo