For more than forty years the West Seattle Rotary Club has been carrying on a tradition. They collect funds and then from area elementary schools 100 children are selected to take part in the club's annual Holiday Shopping Spree. The tradition was begun in the 1970's, though the exact year is not clear, and originally involved Sears located on 1st Ave South. But change happens of course and after the Sears location there closed a few years ago the club quickly adapted and moved the entire event down to Westfield Shopping Mall in Tukwila where on Saturday Dec. 2, once again 100 children were cared for.

Each child is given a warm coat and socks and with the help of area Fraternity and sorority volunteers they are taken on a shopping spree for other needed items at Sears. Sears helps out with coupons and other discounts. With 100 kids each getting $100 to shop with, that's $10,000 the club had to raise.

Following the shopping spree all the kids, Rotarians and volunteers were treated to a free breakfast at BJ's restaurant and brewhouse.