A special holiday gathering, hosted by the Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club, drew several local senior citizens to the Escalon United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 7.

Festivities included dinner, the singing of Christmas carols, presentation of gift bags and drawings for free prize baskets and bags.

Organizers said there were several contributors to the evening to provide the food and gifts for senior citizens, including the church where the gathering was staged, Escalon United Methodist.

Other donations came from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Cromwell and Ney Insurance Agency, True Value Farm Store, Big Boy Market, Escalon Small Animal Clinic, John Weeks, Ray Caparros and Gary Romano.

All in attendance received a reusable Escalon Rotary Club tote bag and it was filled with items including a wall calendar for 2018, snacks, a puzzle, toiletries and more.

“This is our first time here,” said resident Ethel Groenveld, attending the Thursday night event with husband Peter. “This is very nice; I guess we might come back next year.”

Rotary Club members provided the entertainment, leading the Christmas carols and eight-year old Peyton Stagno, the granddaughter of club member Lynda Stagno, joined in to help out as well.

Dinner featured lasagna, salad, bread and trays of cookies and sweet treats for dessert, along with beverages.

John and Claudia Weeks handled the food committee, with Gary Romano chairing the entertainment committee.

The goal of the evening is to bring the local senior citizens together for a good meal, some camaraderie and sharing of the holiday spirit.