Altrusa International Service Projects
A database of Service projects from throughout our Altrusa organization
Altrusa of Carroll County NH has been working for several years to enhance literacy within the area. Our biggest project is Mail for Me, which cooperates with local schools to identify children who lack reading material in the home. Each child chooses a magazine and receives a one-year subscription to be delivered directly to his/her home. Reading specialists in our schools have given feedback that states that the children love this program and it gives a boost to reluctant readers.
Pack the Pickup with Proteins for the Pantry: At the end of the summer, pantry shelves are bare. We joined forces with Altrusans, Civitans and Soroptimists to collect protein items for Amazing Grace Food Pantry. In one day, we packed the pickup 3 times, with 2,168 pounds of food and collected over $500. We continue to collaborate with service groups in our area on this project annually.
Seasonal Baskets: We adopt a family or child at 3 holidays throughout the year to provide food/gift baskets for those in need.
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes: Altrusans are helping the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras home in Bridgeport, the first community-based transitional home dedicated to homeless female Veterans and their children up to 10 years of age by collecting much needed items for the 15 bed facility. We have been supplying ‘Blankets of Warmth’ – a holiday gift of handmade afghan for each resident, in addition to deliveries of pillows, sheets, towels, laundry detergent, etc. as needed.
Hungry Babies are NOT an Illusion… Didato Family Memorial Baby Food / Formula Drive: Altrusans have expanded our annual food drive to assist babies all throughout the year. Baby items are donated to the local food pantry and agencies assisting families. We are partnering with the Middletown Diaper Bank to assist in their drives and distribute some diapers we collect to them.
ABC-Altrusa Books for Community: Altrusans and friends collect new or gently used books for those in need. Children’s books are distributed through WIC (Women Infants and Children), doctor’s offices, etc. Adult books are distributed through our Little Free Libraries (3 throughout the town). All books are labeled with an ABC Book Plate noting Altrusa’s activity.
Fill the Library with Books: We donated 2 bookcases and filled them with books for the new Middletown Senior Center Library Room. We returned to sort through their book donations, categorize books, purchased a dozen current novels. Provided yearly magazine subscriptions. Bought reading lamps to create a homey atmosphere.
Altrusa’s Little Free Libraries: We sponsor 3 cranberry crate Little Free Libraries and stock them with books appropriate for adults and children. Libraries have been placed at St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, YMCA and The Family Advocacy/WIC office. The Libraries are registered online with www.littlefreelibrary.org and we were FIRST to establish one in Connecticut!!! Overall, to date, we’ve distributed over 20,000 books.
1000 Books before Kindergarten Project: This is a three year project to motivate and encourage parents to read to their infants and toddlers. We are collaborating with the “1000 Books by Kindergarten Foundation” (a 501-c3 organization) and Russell Library. 60 children have been enrolled We contact them monthly to encourage journaling books read, and provide incentive prizes for child and parent.
Gerard F. Melito Senior Citizens Poetry Contest/Reception: Senior residents of Central Connecticut are encouraged to enter original poetry which are judged then published in a booklet, distributed to each participant, local libraries, and several senior residence centers. All are invited to a poetry reception in the spring of each year.