Altrusa International Service Projects
A database of Service projects from throughout our Altrusa organization
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.
We donated toys and books to the waiting area of WelcomeHealth: Northwest Arkansas’ Free Health Center. As the center expands their pediatric services, Altrusa have provided for children that enter the free medical and dental clinic.
In a joint project with our local Library, we visit every 1st Grade class in our school district and provide a free book to each child to keep. Library personnel talk to the children about library services and provide each student with a library card.