Category «District Eight»

Celebrate Reading

Celebrate Reading is an annual Altrusa literacy project held on Dr Suess’ Birthday and the same time as the Read Across America program. The club purchases class room sets of books to read at the public and private preschools as well as public kindergarten in the community. Altrusans read the book to their assigned class then distribute new copies of the book read to each of the children. This project supports the literacy skills of each child and advances their education. Generally, 300 to 400 books are distributed by the Sikeston club at the completion of this project.

Heart to Heart

This service project addresses the loss of a loved one. It is typically done the week of Valentine’s Day. Members submit names and addresses of people they know who have lost a loved one. Members gather to stuff gift bags with theme related food, candy, hand made fragrant soaps, inspirational cards or small books. This is a personal service project as the gift bags are delivered in person to the recipients, a project that clearly reveals the heart of Altrusa in Sikeston.

Christmas Connection

Each December Club members prepare Goody Bags for 40 residents of Green Meadow Retirement Home. The Goody Bags contain winter necessities like chap stick, gloves, hats, etc. These Goody Bags are handed out on Christmas by the staff. In addition to the Goody Bags, the club supplies refreshments for the annual Christmas party for the residents of this assisted living center. Just one of the ways the Sikeston club is leading to a better community.

Christmas Stockings for Veterans

Christmas stockings were prepared for veterans that were hospitalized at the local KC VA Medical Center as well as those transitioning from homelessness to tiny homes through the Veterans Community Project. Each stocking included a gift tag identifying Altrusa and expressing appreciation for service given to our country. Stockings included word search books, pens, notepads, personal hygiene items, duct tape, socks and stocking hats, as well as other assorted items lovingly packed by Altrusans.

Hearts of Compassion

Hearts of Compassion provides Altrusa members with a service project that benefits and comforts families of newborn babies that require immediate medical attention and the mothers with extreme high-risk pregnancies. The objective of the program is to offer a tangible item that provides the recipient with a feeling of being cared about and comforted as well as bringing encouragement at a difficult time in their lives. The staff at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) will distribute the hearts, one to each family staying at the homes. The hearts will be presented to a family meeting one of the following descriptions: 1) Families of newborn babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); 2) Pregnant mothers of extreme high-risk pregnancies staying at RMHC awaiting delivery of their baby, which will probably be placed in NICU. Hearts are individually hand stitched by Altrusans and tagged with thinking of you gift tags denoting Altrusa.

Hear-a-Book; Take-a-Book Children Book Distribution Project

This free event hosted by Altrusa International of Greater Kansas City supports literacy by reading books and allowing each child to select one brand new book to take home and add to his/her library. A number of literacy related activities are available to challenge and encourage preschool through fifth grade children. Book Give-a-way rotates through different areas of the metropolitan area.

Operation Breakthrough Christmas Mailing for Adopt-a-Family program

Supporting the work of this service center to the urban core children and families, especially during the holiday season by efficiently organizing their holiday mailing for the Christmas Adopt-a-Family program.

Altrusan’s for Alzheimer’s

Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff spent the morning operating the Promise Garden for the Alzheimer’s Walk in celebration of Make a Difference Day. The Alzheimer’s Walk in Poplar Bluff was held at McClane Park to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Organization. Altrusa members gathered to help build the Promise Garden tent where we sorted and organized the “flowers”. The “flowers” are made of plastic and twirl in the wind. The four difference colors represented how people were involved with others with Alzheimer’s. Members greeted the public and shared information about Alzheimer’s and Altrusa also. The “flowers” were used in a group activity and the day ended with the walk. Members were glad to make a difference by helping others for Make a Difference Day.

Make A Difference Day Project — Winter Emergency Kits

Our club purchased and assembled Winter Emergency Kits for a local apartment complex housing elderly and fixed income residents. Each of the kits contained a literacy component of reading materials, puzzle books, word searches, etc., a flashlight and batteries, hand warmers, water bottles, toothbrush and toothpaste, washcloth, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion and a sliver waterproof/windproof blanket to prevent hypothermia. These items were placed in a clear, zippered plastic bag with handles. 90% of our club members were involved and participated in this project. We also delivered donated books to our local mission for resale in their store in our community. Thirdly, we made a monetary donation of $165 to The Lunchbox, our local nutrition center, to purchase powdered milk packets for their emergency rations for weather related issues when they are not able to deliver their meals. These services were delivered on October 26th, Make A Difference Day.

Back to School Supplies

Members of Sedalia Altrusa assists C.A.C.T.U.S. (Community and Children Teaming Up 4 Success) by volunteering in helping pack and distribute school supplies for over 1650 Pettis County students before school starts. The supplies are packed according to each student’s school and grade level. Students will continue to be served until school begins with over 1800 total students typically served. Altrusa also contributed $1000 to help buy supplies. The club also provides drawstring backpacks and a book to preschoolers attending the event with their older siblings.