In a heartening initiative, the Summit County Health Department and the Park City Rotary Club have joined forces to provide essential holiday support to 54 local families involved in the Early Intervention Program. This program specifically targets young children aged 0 to 3 who are experiencing developmental challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary resources for growth and development. The Gifts of Love project has especially focused on assisting low-income families whose children have developmental delays, disabilities, or medical concerns, providing those in need with personalized gifts during the holiday season. Each child received a book, a suitable toy or piece of developmental equipment, and essential clothing items such as boots or winter coats, as stated by Jackie Swan, the director of the Early Intervention Program at the health department. In addition to gifts, the Rotary Club has arranged for 40 families to receive prepared holiday meals, created by local chef Deanna Berry of DeeLicious Park City. This effort aims to address both practical needs and alleviate some of the financial pressures families typically face during the holidays. Swan highlighted how crucial this support is, as many families in the program encounter additional stress due to frequent medical appointments and therapy, compounded by uncertainties surrounding their child's development. "One family expressed their gratitude, saying, 'We have been tight on money this year and they gifted my kids Christmas presents! It means the world to us!'", she noted. The Early Intervention Program, one of 14 statewide initiatives, offers in-home services such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy, catering to each child's individual needs after an assessment. Referrals for this program often stem from routine pediatric visits where developmental milestones are evaluated. The holiday project was conceived after Rotary Club members expressed a desire to give back more actively. They collaborated with Swan to compile a comprehensive list of children's specific needs, which members then fulfilled by shopping, wrapping, and delivering gifts to the health department for distribution. In adhering to privacy laws, only health department staff were involved in delivering these gifts directly to the families. Swan remarked that witnessing families receive items essential for their well-being was incredibly rewarding. Julianne Carone, the director of community service for the Park City Rotary Club, noted that this year, the club emphasized hands-on involvement rather than primarily financial contributions. The initiative included delivering literacy resources, aligning with Rotary's longstanding commitment to education, ensuring each child received a book. The culinary contributions from chef Berry were pivotal. Although not a Rotary member, she volunteered her resources and skills to prepare the meals, aiding the local community in its time of need. Feedback from recipients has been overwhelmingly positive. Families have expressed immense appreciation for the support, with some sharing that the initiative made a significant difference during challenging times. Looking forward, Swan mentioned aspirations for future collaborations and outreach, emphasizing that the project successfully met both immediate and ongoing community needs. Additionally, donations of toys and resources from families who have graduated from the program help sustain this cycle of support. The Gifts of Love initiative not only provided holiday cheer but also fostered a deeper sense of community engagement among Rotary members, who found purpose in their contributions. Families in need can access information about Early Intervention services through the Summit County Health Department's website.