GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club 
Members of the GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club (Arizona) celebrated the club’s 120th anniversary by donating more than 1,500 books to the Glendale Elementary School libraries and the Arizona Center for African American Resources Kitabu literacy program. Club President Cheryl Kappes said they decided to host a book drive because they are focused on improving education and literacy in children and thought donating books would be great step in the right direction.
“Literacy is a true need not being met in the community,” she said. “It is something I think we can wrap our arms around. It is a project that doesn’t take a lot of work, but has a positive impact.”
Cheryl explained along with extensive donations from clubwomen, many members of the community donated books or money to purchase books.
“We had great support from the community. There are giving hearts everywhere, you just have to say what you need,” she said.
Cheryl said everyone came together for a “Birthday Bash” celebration, during which all of the new and gently used books were displayed. While there was a wide range of books from all genres for all ages donated, she said many fit the pre-school to eight-grade reading level.
“It was really exciting to see this come together,” Cheryl said.
GFWC Boise Columbian Club 
Clubwomen with the GFWC Boise Columbian Club (Idaho) spent a beautiful day this September planting five trees in a local park to help with an initiative proposed and approved by the Boise City Council. The City of Trees Challenge involves members of the community coming together to sponsor and plant 100,000 trees throughout the next decade. Club President Carol Hoidal said the members were excited to be a part of this challenge because planting trees around the city not only helps beautify the area, but also benefits the environment and improves air quality.
“We like that we are making a city park enjoyable for citizens,” Carol said. “We’re happy to be a part of this.”
She added she is glad this city-wide challenge is an opportunity for the GFWC Boise Columbian Club to continue a long tradition of helping and working cooperatively with the city council.
“We like the idea that we are supporting the city of Boise,” Carol said.
The club members plan to continue being part of the City of Trees Challenge and are looking forward to planting more trees in the spring for Arbor Day.