North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
As the year draws to a close, the Rotary Club of Little River is reflecting on 2025 with pride, highlighting a wide range of initiatives that exemplify Rotary International’s motto, Service Above Self. Through fundraising efforts, hands-on service projects and partnerships with local organizations, club members made meaningful impacts on students, seniors, first responders and families throughout Horry County.
One of the club’s most impactful efforts was its continued support of Teen Angels, a program assisting homeless and at-risk students at North Myrtle Beach High School. Through fundraising events, including a community Poker Run, the club helped meet students’ basic needs such as clothing, food and housing.
During the holiday season, Rotarians hosted the Teen Angel Christmas shopping event, treating 30 students to gift cards for shopping at Target in Myrtle Beach. The day included lunch for the students, backpacks filled with personal care items and holiday treats, made possible through the generosity of local businesses.
The club also participated in the Angel Tree Program, with members purchasing, wrapping and delivering gifts to brighten the holidays for children in need across the community.
Seniors were honored at the club’s annual Senior Christmas Party, hosted in partnership with the Horry County Council on Aging. Thirty-four seniors enjoyed gifts, refreshments, holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus at Faith Wesleyan Church. The venue was generously provided by Rotarian Pastor Tom Holloway.
In recognition of local first responders, Rotarians delivered appreciation gift baskets to the Horry County Fire Department station in Little River, thanking firefighters for their continued dedication to public safety.
Addressing food insecurity, the Rotary Club of Little River organized a community food drive that collected more than 4,000 pounds of food, providing essential support to local families facing hardship.
Beyond local service, the club partnered with other Grand Strand Rotary Clubs for Concerts for the Cure, raising awareness and support for Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign and The CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust), which supports Alzheimer’s disease research.
A signature event for the club, the 17th Annual Rotary Club of Little River 5K Run/Walk, brought together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors and spectators from across the community. The event promotes healthy lifestyles while supporting the club’s local service projects and charitable initiatives. Proceeds from the race benefit organizations such as Teen Angels and the North Strand Housing Shelter, helping them further their missions in Horry County. The event also supports scholarships, community grants and charitable giving through the Rotary Club of Little River’s foundation, reflecting the club’s commitment to education, health and community well-being.
The club recently presented a donation to a local Rotarian, who also serves as CEO of Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center, supporting the organization’s ongoing community efforts.
Now in its 17th year, the 5K has become a cherished Little River tradition, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels and highlighting the community’s strong spirit of fellowship and volunteerism. The event’s continued success is made possible through the support of local sponsors and dedicated volunteers.
Through these efforts and more, the Rotary Club of Little River continues to create positive change locally while supporting global humanitarian initiatives. As members look ahead to another year of service, they invite community members to join them in making a lasting impact.
