Altrusa of Copperas Cove working with First Blessings out of Temple provided 75 pairs of shoes free to 75 youth and adults. This was our first year, we partnered with Grace United Methodist Church and plan to budget for it again next year.

 

Our club’s goal was to bring some dignity to community individuals who were lacking appropriate housing. We filled large backpacks to the brim with food, clothing, books, and hygiene products. The backpacks were then delivered to various individuals in the community. This project provided much needed items for daily nutrition, warmth, and hygiene care.

 

In alignment with our mission to aid women and children in need in the Dallas Metroplex, Altrusa International of Downtown Dallas, volunteered 48 hours, purchasing, sorting, boxing, and delivering 66 packages of hygiene and textured hair products; gave $3,500 to purchase teen’s coats; and volunteered another 33 hours inventorying, packaging and labeling warehouse supplies for Community Partners of Dallas. An organization that provides for the immediate and urgent needs of children who are abused and neglected in Dallas County and encourage and support caseworkers focusing on four key areas that help put these children on a path to healing.

 

Garland P.D.’s 9 th Street Boxing Gym offers training and programs for at-risk youth searching for acceptance, recognition, and a safe setting to strengthen self-confidence. The only rule for participation is: “no one competes in the ring if failing a subject.” However, the tutoring space available had taken some “knockout punches” of its own. Altrusa Garland partnered with the Garland PD and other community  organizations to renovate and enhance the tutoring space, making it more inviting for study, but also to provide essential supplies and technology for student use.

 

During the club year, Altrusa International of Greenville, TX launched its first United Way Sidewalk Shower project in partnership with Authentic Life Fellowship Church. We had four events, and during those events we provided vital resources, including hygiene and snack packs, as well as mylar blankets and sleeping bags, and support to the homeless community. With food, hygiene services, and collaboration from local organizations, our initiative positively impacted approximately 300 individuals. Through this endeavor, we strengthened community ties and raised awareness of Altrusa’s mission, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to service and dignity for all.

 

Altrusa Pampa partnered with Wreaths Across America, whose mission is to 'remember, honor, and teach ' about veterans' sacrifices by placing evergreen wreaths with red bows on veteran 's graves at Christmas. We have 2,565 veterans in our cemeteries. In addition to our annual fundraiser for projects, we raised $43,987.00 to purchase 2,565 wreaths at $17.00 each plus expenses. We received $5.00 back for each wreath resulting in $12,825.00 to help veterans. This project helped veterans financially; brought our community together as 300 citizens came to place wreaths; and educated citizens about Altrusa's impact in the community.

 

Altrusa Richardson hosted a Kindness Weekend aimed at inspiring both members and residents of Richardson to take part in meaningful acts of kindness. The event featured several hands-on service projects and was supported by a first-ever citywide kindness campaign, enthusiastically promoted by the City of Richardson. With over 95 Altrusans, guests, and city officials participating, the weekend created a powerful ripple effect of compassion and community spirit. We are thrilled to report the event’s success, with an estimated 1,300 lives positively impacted. It was a true celebration of service, unity, and the incredible power of kindness in action.

 

San Antonio: "KINSHIP"
This year's Make a Difference Day turned out to be very rewarding. We were invited to participate in the Kinship Caregivers Festival by the Child Welfare Board thanks to one of our members. It recognizes kinship caregivers and children they care for. These are family members that have taken the responsibility of helping these children when someone in their family could not. We decided to go with a Carnival style setup. We hung large stuffed animals around a canopy. Homemade games, tickets & prizes! We also gave away books to everyone! Plus our ASTRA kids joined us. 

 

To target health literacy and health education in our community, Altrusa Temple members partnered with Temple Community Clinic and supported Living Well in Bell, a monthly lecture series focusing on many health-related matters and other topics that influence our overall well- being. This Altrusa Temple Makes a Difference project touched many lives in our community. This project gave Altrusa more much more visibility as a program sponsor and hands-on volunteering and was truly priceless to the attendees!

 

The Welcome Home Project honors the incredible courage of families who have transformed their lives through the Promise House program. These families have experienced homelessness
and persevered. The Promise House provides support including meals, safe housing, life skills training, and vocational development. Families forge new paths forward. When graduation day arrives, we gather to celebrate their hard work. Altrusa of The Chisholm Trail members provide the essentials that transform a house into a home—cleaning supplies, cookware, vacuums, age-appropriate books to fuel young minds, and supplies tailored to each family's unique needs.