EWOT Undertake Two Community Projects

The GFWC IL Effingham Women of Today began the new year with two community projects.

Members assembled and donated 40 “Busy Bags” that were filled with items such as books, crayons, fidget toys, mini puzzles and small stuffies. The bags were presented to the staff of Illinois Department Children & Family Services in Effingham. The “Busy Bags” will be given to children to occupy their minds during challenging family experiences.

In addition, club members participated in State Senator Steve McClure’s “Valentines For Seniors Drive”, with a donation of 86 personally signed valentines. Valentines collected by McClure’s office will be delivered to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities in the Senator’s District, letting seniors know they aren’t forgotten.

In addition, the Effingham Women of Today completed the annual reporting process in January, compiling statistics and narratives of the number of hours and money spent on the large number of projects and programs the local club held during 2024. Those reports were sent to GFWC Illinois, which combines all data sent by its 131 clubs. The final data is sent by all state and territories to GFWC International and is used to seek corporate sponsors and legislative support for the organization’s volunteer efforts in the United States and throughout the world.

The GFWC IL Effingham of Today actively invites anyone interested in volunteering in community projects and scholarships to attend a meeting or speak to a member about the club’s projects and how to get involved. All ages are welcome.

A brochure is available for more details regarding projects and meeting information. Contact club President Donna Zerrusen at 217/821-3224 or Vice President Becky Brown at 217/821-6780. The brochure is also available at the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.

Photo #1: L-R-Seated: Vanessa Caton; Julie Thoele, DCFS Standing: DCFS Caseworkers Brian Swope, Avery Liss, Vanessa, Kelly Booker, Jeanine McEndollar, Rose Overbeck, Sarah Davison, Ashley Hammer; EWOT members Pat Copple, Mary Jane Koester, Donna Zerrusen

Photo #2: L-R: Pat Copple, Becky Brown, Senator McClure; Vanessa Caton, Millie and Donna Zerrusen