Altrusa International, Inc. of Walla Walla provided the initial planning and substantial funding to open the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla in 2004. The Museum provides a place where children can play with the adults that are significant in their lives, developing and sharing a love of learning. Currently the Museum has over 20 exhibits, indoors and out The Altrusa Birthday Room is one of the favorite play areas. Since its start up, the Museum has gained many community partners and memberships and Altrusa continues to be represented on the Museum Board of Directors, provide additional funding, and sponsor a Make-A-Difference Day project that allows families to enjoy the Museum for a day without pay.

Beginning in March, a notice is sent to area school informing of the upcoming literacy grant application process. Area teachers submit a proposal for a literacy project that is not covered by their school budget. The Scholarships and Grants Committee determines which proposals best meet the grant guidelines.

Each March, the Scholarship and Grants Committee reviews scholarship applications provided by the WWCC Foundation. These funds were originally from endowments from past Altrusans, Char Hart (local business woman) and Mabel Groseclose (District Twelve Governor-1945-1947).

Altrusa International, Inc. of Walla Walla, in partnership with the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce host an Annual Youth Spelling Bee (Started in 2008) during the Hot Air Balloon Stampede the second weekend in May. The Youth Spelling Bee is preceded by a Bowling for the Bee in March to promote the event in local schools grades 1-5. Bowling teams are formed that include students and teachers. Area businesses support the events through financial and in-kind contributions. Our first Youth Spelling Bee was a resounding success. Three lucky “Bee” participants went home with new laptops for their winning efforts. There were also 2^nd and 3^rd place prizes for each grade level. Those agencies/organizations that supported our inaugural event benefited from the knowledge that they contributed to a community event. They also benefited from the knowledge that they contributed to a community event that provided and environment to promote students’ self-esteem, character development, sportsmanship, and literacy.

For the past 18 summers, members of Altrusa International, Inc. have offered a Reading Skills Lab. The project has been chaired by Barbara Daniel ever since. The program offers classes for students needing extra help to improve their reading skills. Altrusa co-sponsors the Reading Skills Lab with Central Christian Church where the Lab is held. Walla Walla Altrusans, parents, and community leaders volunteer their time during the daily classes for six weeks. Enrolled first through third graders participate in three daily activities: writing in a teacher-led small group; phonics, both reading and spelling, in a teacher-led small group; and reading one-on-one with a volunteer tutor. There is a $35 tuition fee, with available scholarships.

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