Christmas Gifts for Seniors-A Partnership with North Strand Helping Hand
In December each year the NMBWC partners with North Strand Helping Hand to supply Christmas gifts to senior citizens served by the organization. In 2016, club members provided Christmas gifts totaling an estimated value of $2,350. 46 seniors were the recipients of the club’s generosity.
Gifts donated included personal items such as pajamas, sweaters, sweats, slippers, socks, gloves, and personal care items. The gifts were wrapped by members and delivered to seniors during the Christmas holiday. Members also created handmade Christmas cards for each senior package.
Monthly Collections Support Schools
Club members collect Campbell Soup Labels, Drink Tab Pulls, Box Tops, and Ink Cartridges each month. The labels are distributed to local area NMB schools and are used to help purchase additional educational supplies. This service project started in September 2011 and is an ongoing project for the club.
At the September meeting each year, members bring school supplies requested by teachers for needy school children. This ongoing project is called “Tools for Schools” and all supplies are delivered to local schools. In 2016, 42 club members contributed school supplies with a value of $1100!
Winter Coat Drive for School Children
Unfortunately, some children in our local schools simply do not have adequate jackets/coats to wear during the colder winter months. When this need was bought to the attention of club members in 2012, they decided to do something about it.
Since then every year the club has contributed coats to the schools. At the October meeting, members bring a coat. These coats are delivered to local area schools and the teachers distribute to the children in need. In 2016, the NMB Woman’s Club donated 55 coats with a estimated value of $800.00.
Volunteers for North Strand Helping Hand
North Strand Helping Hand is committed to helping families and individuals in need by providing food, clothing, and household items. The NMBWC is a strong advocate for this charity. Club members volunteer at the facility and help at the reception desk and with other clerical duties.
In April 2016, our club provided 361 pounds of peanut butter and jelly to restock the facility’s pantry. In November, the club donated 180 units of stuffing and gravy for Thanksgiving dinners. Club members brought sugar free Valentine candy to the 2016 February meeting. The Home Life Committee wrapped the candy in small gift bags and made Valentine cards. These Valentine treats were delivered to the shelter in support of its Senior Outreach program. Helping Hand also received a $1,000 contribution from the club’s fundraising efforts.