Author: SMayuga

Even though Illinois was in its fifth week of “shelter in place,” members of GFWC Northwest Suburban Woman’s Club (Illinois) still celebrated Earth Day. Here’s how members of the GFWC Northwest Suburban Woman’s Club celebrated:

• They posted celebratory announcements of Earth Day on their personal Facebook pages.
• They participated in a Zoom video call online and shared their experiences.

It was a full Earth Day!

The GFWC Women’s Club of South County (Rhode Island) participated in the Arbor Day Grand Initiative. The club provided the funds for three trees to be planted in South County Rhode Island. The participating Rhode Island communities were Narragansett, South Kingstown, and Charlestown. The trees selected were a flowering plum, an autumn flowering cherry, and a tulip tree. The towns were very appreciative to participate in this program. Members were also asked to plant trees or woody shrubs to help in this project. As a result, two trees and six woody shrubs were planted.

In honor of Federation Day on April 24, the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club (Florida) was proud to donate an Automated External Defibrillator trainer to the High Springs Fire Department. AEDs make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required.

GFWC Julian Woman’s Club (California) has now sewn well more than 600 face masks. The majority have been delivered to healthcare workers at hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, and clinics. Another member has sewn more than 200 masks for locals in our small town. Once the word was out, residents have contacted the club requesting masks. A donation is requested as a way to honor the project.

The GFWC Temecula Valley Woman’s Club (California) is always thinking of ways to help its communities. Members were notified that the Temecula Valley Hospital were in need of “disposable shoe protectors,” or as we call them, “booties.” GFWC Temecula Valley Woman’s Club had a bulk of these supplies stored for our next Holiday Home Tour. Club President Carol Stern contacted the club’s Executive Board to see if they would approve donating them to the hospital, which was granted. Kim O’Brien got them from storage and delivered seven boxes of 150 booties, three smaller boxes of booties, and one box of large garbage bags to the hospital. The nurses were thrilled to receive them.

Members of GFWC Woman’s Club of Spring Lake (New Jersey) have been busy making masks for all club members. The club has even expanded their distribution to assisted living facilities, families, neighbors, and friends. It has been donating to local food banks and sharing worthwhile health news to each other. Calls have been made to check in on older members, especially those who live alone.

GFWC Georgia North West District have been busy completing projects to help others during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Check out its video for unique project ideas.

For the past 20 years, GFWC Temple Terrace Juniorettes (Florida) have held an Egg Hunt for their community and the proceeds go to Relay for Life. Since the Egg Hunt was canceled this year the girls decided to use their Egg Hunt supplies to make Easter bags for the children of St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Three of the club members are the grandchildren of the club’s advisor, Joyce Johnston. The children worked together to put the fill all 40 bags. Each bag has a dozen plastic eggs, two bags of candy, a prize, a craft item, and a sheet of stickers. The bags were given out to the children whose parents have been coming to the food bank for food boxes. The Juniorettes also donated $50 for the food bank to purchase more food, as there is an increased demand for food.

Twelve members of the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club (Florida) read to the kindergarten and first grade classes at the High Springs Community School for Read Across America Day on March 2. The members read a book written by Dr. Seuss in honor of his birthday. The book was then donated to the class for their library.

The GFWC du Midi Woman’s Club (Alabama), celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday at Second Mile Preschool with the Cat in the Hat a.k.a. President Adelaide Cape, and Education Community Service Program Co-Chair, Amy Tolson, reading a few of their favorite books. After reading, each child got to pick out one Dr. Seuss book to keep in support of the Grand Initiatives. Each student from the preschool also received a copy of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” as a Christmas present.

Many GFWC Clubs have but there Volunteers Spirit in action during the world’s current pandemic. With a shortage in medical supplies, many GFWC Clubs have stepped up and used their time to make handmade mask and hats for their local first responders. Read about the great acts of kindness that our GFWC clubwomen have participated in below:

Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (New Jersey), Bernadette Cicchino and Cathy Haney, sewed nineteen cloth face masks for the Troy Hills Convalescent Center in Parsippany. They also passed along a donation of a box of disposable masks from Mary Li of Parsippany. They thank Barbara Lerner of Parsippany and Leslie Moran of Randolph, who each donated elastic for this project.

To make additional masks to donate, their members need narrow elastic (1/4” or 1/8”) to make the ear pieces for the mask.

GFWC Woman’s Club of West Milford Township (New Jersey) has made more than 30 hats and counting for healthcare workers at Chilton Hospital. Vice President Carol Henkel found a stitched pattern to make the mask and shared it with members. Carol also provided homemade bias tape and elastic.

GFWC Woman’s Club of West Broward (Florida) joined together to make mask for those in the healthcare field. They mask will be donated to local fireman, policemen, nursing’s homes, and hospitals.

Each year, GFWC Woman’s Club of Winter Haven (Florida) funds a scholarship for local students. This year’s recipients are two talented young women, Madison Dobbs and Jazmin Patel.

Madison Dobbs is the recipient of the $4000.00 endowed scholarship. She is eagerly waiting news of her acceptance to UCF where she plans to study to be a nurse practitioner. If she is not accepted there she will attend Polk State College and enroll in the fine nursing studies program. Madison is such a lovely speaking, polite, friendly, and positive young lady. Congratulations Madison!

Jazmin Patel is the recipient of the Consumer Science Award and will graduate from the Cambridge Program at Winter Haven High School. Thanks to the generosity of club members this year’s check will be $500. Jazmin is also waiting to hear from UCF where she plans to study business. If she is not accepted at UCF, she will attend Sante Fe College in Gainesville for two years and then transfer to University of Florida in Gainesville. Jazmin is a focused, intelligent, and personable young woman. Congratulations Jazmin!

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Winter Haven would like you to thank all those who contributed to the success of these wonderful young women.

GFWC Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club (West Virginia) hosted there 2nd annual “Be the Change Ball.” This year’s theme was “Fairest of Them All.” A total of $97,246.56 was raised at this event. The fund raised from this event will be split in two ways. Some funds ($85,000 ) will go West Virginia’s new WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital to fund a NICU Milk Bank, and a Child Life Prep Room. The remaining $12,246.56 goes to the club for the work they do in their community and beyond.

Check out more about this event on the clubs website and the West Virginia News.

GFWC South Baldwin Woman’s Club (Alabama) works with the Guardians of the Ribbon– Lower Alabama Chapter to promote awareness and support for cancer survivors. Debby Hauble was a member for many years prior to her diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer. October 2020, will be the third year that the club participated “Gulf Shores Goes Pink.” a celebration held by the Gulf Shores Fire Department. This event brings the community together to show love and support for all cancer victims, their families, and caregivers. All donations are given to locals in the community.

GFWC Tennessee held a luncheon on March 10 with guest speaker, Wanda Sobieski, who highlighted eight influential women. Seven of the women were from Tennessee and worked tirelessly to make Tennessee the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Club members dressed as the eight suffragettes. Following the program and luncheon, there was a tour of the State Capitol.

GFWC Women’s Club of Farmingdale (New York) were on the move this past winter. The GFWC Women’s Club of Farmingdale completed two great acts of volunteerism.

Two GFWC Women’s Club of Farmingdale (New York) members, Barbara Hoerner and Val Thieke, delivered donations from club members to Adopt-A-Battalion. The donations consisted of: cookies, gum, mints, candy, granola bars, protein bars, powdered drink mixes, trail mix, nuts, beef jerky, peanut butter, jelly, and assorted toiletries. This organization sends the donated items annually to service men and women overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. Through the Adopt a Battalion Program, supporters have the opportunity to directly support these premier battalions. The program offers soldiers support for all of their immediate needs, providing qualifying IDF combat battalions the opportunity to unwind from their difficult training and responsibilities. They are able to enjoy activities such as ceremonies and events, recreational activities, and special days of fun and leisure with their fellow soldiers.

During 2019, GFWC MacClenney Woman’s Club (Florida) were on the move in making change and giving back to their community. GFWC MacClenney Woman’s Club participated in countless volunteer activities throughout the Florida area. Some of the club’s recent activities have included:

1. Collecting Personal care items to distribute in care baskets to the elderly at Claire Winston Home, MacClenny Rehab, and Wells Nursing. One of the members made homemade ornaments filled with little hearts beautifully decorated.

2. Participated in the Used Shoes Grand Initiative and gathered together gently-used shoes for the Cooperative Giving Project with Souls 4 Shoes. Some of the ladies made a trip to the drop off location.

3. Created handmade Afghans for elders in their community, which were lovingly done by ladies with the GFWC volunteer spirit.

4. Collected food to donate to Good Samaritan House in Baker County. The Club collects food each month to donate to Good Samaritan, a program in MacClenny that reaches out to people who may need extra food.

GFWC Hemet Woman’s Club (California) proudly marched in their hometown of Hemet, CA Christmas parade. The rain and chilly weather did not hold these ladies back as they proudly marched in honor of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. The ladies were able to take advantage of an opportunity to introduce the community to the clubs’ longstanding history of 114 years, their accomplishments and there role in the development of the first community library.

GFWC Chapin Woman’s Club (South Carolina) hosted a holiday open house. Members donated baked treats that were included in gift baskets for local first responders. The baskets were delivered to three Fire Stations, the local Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Office. A prayer for first responders, written by a club member, was included in the baskets for each station.

GFWC Women’s Club of Ridgefield Park (New Jersey) participated in the cookie/candy project. More than 30 dozen homemade cookies were delivered to Bleshman Reginal Day School. The cookies were used for their Valentine’s Day party.

GFWC High Springs New Century Women’s Club (Florida) hosted a “Real Men Make Soup” fundraiser for the High Springs Community School Band. Men from the community served fourteen homemade soups they created to an overflowing crowd at the clubhouse. The proceeds from the event were presented to the High Springs Community School Band Director. The table centerpieces, cans of soup, were donated to a local food bank.

GFWC Monahans Tau Lambda Study Club (Texas) held a Health Program on November 20, 2019 titled, Diabetes – What You Should Know. The event was held in the Ward County Event Center. It was a well-attended event with guest from the community, nursing students, parents, and friends. Dr. V Narguna an Endocrinologist from Odesssa Medical Center Hospital provided information on diabetes that many are unaware of and affected by. These issues could be treated by diet, exercise, and medicine to prevent further health issues that may cause heart disease, etc. GFWC Monahans Tau Lambda Study Club President presented a gift to Dr. Narguna.

GFWC Oregon City Woman’s Club (Oregon) has welcomed ten new members bringing a total of 50 active members. This past December, GFWC Oregon City Woman’s Club members were busy making blankets for homeless high schoolers, volunteering for Shop With a Cop, filling Backpack Buddy Bags full of weekend food for hungry tummies, decorating the historic Stevens-Crawford Heritage House for the holiday, and helping Clackamas Women’s Service and Angels in the Outfield with their holiday store serving victims of domestic violence and abuse. GFWC Oregon City Woman’s Club members are full of the volunteering spirit.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills (New Jersey) held its Fifth Annual Spelling Bee. Twenty-seven students were selected from area Fifth Grade Elementary Schools to participate in the Spelling Bee, which was held at Parsippany Hills High School. More than 125 parents, family members, and friends watched the students as they approached the microphone to spell each word. Judging the event were Dr. Matthew Thompson, Parsippany Hills High School Principal, Kristen Comeaux, Lake Hiawatha Library Children’s Department Head, and William Westhoven, reporter at Gannett NJ Daily Record. Mary Ann Coyne, WCPTH club member and chairman of the Fifth Annual Spelling Bee, was the moderator and club member Marianne Burke was the announcer. After 32 nail-biting rounds, a winner was declared. The winning word was “duet.” Taking 1st Place was Krishil Patel from Eastlake Elementary School. Second Place was captured by Medha Vavilala from Mount Tabor Elementary School. Shritha Kethireddy, from Littleton Elementary School came in 3rd place. All three winners were invited to participate in the New Jersey State Federated Women’s Club Regional Spelling Bee.

GFWC Women’s Club of Gulfport (Mississippi) began an effort to beautify the area/green space between the downtown Gulfport Library and the Catholic Church after hurricane Katrina. Many club women donated plants from their yard, decorations, pots, benches, and spent time cleaning up the space. Each year the club tries to plant a few more perennials and continues to address areas that were in need of sprucing up. This past year has been their busiest in the garden and it shows! The library staff and patrons have been so very grateful for their efforts.

The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club (Florida) celebrated its 120th year birthday with a party. The table centerpieces were birthday bags filled with personal care items. The birthday bags were donated to Peaceful Paths, a local domestic violence agency, to be given to survivors.

GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club participated in a reverse advent basket project. Each day during Advent, a food item was placed in a basket. When completed, the food was presented to Peaceful Paths for their food pantry. Toys for the children living at the Peaceful Paths facility were donated to help them for Christmas.

In 2018, in an effort to increase club participation in the GFWC Signature Project, and at the suggestion from our GFWC Mississippi President Becky C. Wright, GFWC Mississippi State Chairman for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Deana Pittman made an inquiry to an organization called I Support the Girls. I Support the Girls (ISTG) is a charitable organization that is active worldwide. ISTG provides bras, menstrual hygiene products, and more to women in domestic violence shelters, girls in foster care, women in incarceration, survivors of human trafficking, homeless shelters, and even in schools–anywhere there is a need! GFWC Mississippi decided to do a drive to collect products to distribute to places in need; this led to the establishment of the I Support the Girls–Mississippi affiliation. Finishing the first completed year in Mississippi, clubs across the state have volunteered countless hours to collect, buy, wash, sort, package, and deliver more than 62,000 items to women and girls in need across the state of Mississippi in 2019!

GFWC Women’s Club (New Hampshire) participated in a Christmas Tea for Silverthorne Adult Day Care. Members of GFWC Women’s Club spent the day caroling and delivering gifts to the residents at Silverthorne. Participants were treated to tasty Christmas treats and enjoyed an evening filled with smiles and laughter!

GFWC San Buenaventura Women’s Club (California) together with GFWC Oak View Women’s Club (California) donated 80 blankets to the new homeless shelter that opened in late January in the city of Ventura California. Half of the blankets are “no sew” knotted fleece blankets made by members and half are blankets purchased and donated by members. The blankets were handed in at Ventura City Hall on January 6.