Our committee has just completed its final project for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. We organized a Christmas Party for the youth at the Homeless Youth Coalition – Drop-in-Center in Roseburg. We provided a meal for about 15 youth and some homeless families. Volunteers decorated, filled and gave over 30 Christmas stockings containing Meal Certificates, Cookies, Cards, Dice, Fruit cups, Pudding and other fun things. They also received a large box of items for the center, including: Basketballs, Footballs, Hackey Sacks, Puzzles, Board Games, a Dart Board, and much, much more.

The committee also took on a project with the Safe Haven Maternity Home. The home is a place for pregnant girls in need of a safe place to stay. The project involved cleaning, painting, accessorizing; simply revitalizing a room for the home and its guests. This was a fantastic opportunity to show the housemother, the board of directors and the girls that Altrusa is a compassionate, caring group of individuals making a difference in their community.

Our plan from the beginning was to participate in hands-on projects only, giving no financial awards or grants.  The enthusiasm and energy of our efforts to provide this service was felt by each of our project recipients. We are truly satisfied with the results of our efforts. And we are grateful for the opportunity to support local not-for-profit organizations.