Arts and Culture Community Service Program

Arts and Culture Community Service Program

Inspiring Window Creations

The GFWC Ohio Warren Juniorettes (OH) came together during National Volunteer Week to brighten the days of residents of the Courtland Health Care Center. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing restrictions on visitations and in-person contact, the Juniorettes hand-painted the exterior windows of residents’ rooms. The windows came alive with vibrant and inspiring themes, colors, and messages and the residents enjoyed watching the creations evolve. The Juniorettes also provided a healthy snack to each resident.

Art Contest with a Twist

The GFWC Valamont Woman’s Club (TN) hosted an art contest on Martin Luther King, Jr. Make a Difference Day. Pages from adult coloring books and crayons were delivered to a nursing home and an independent living facility for residents to participate in the contest, and the completed pages were taken to a kindergarten class for judging. Awards for winners were framed cross-stitch pictures made by a deceased member. Entries were later returned to the facilities for display.

Teamwork to Paint Storm Drains

The GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club (FL) teamed up with the GFWC Pinellas Juniorettes (FL) to paint coastal themes on storm drains throughout the city. Paint, brushes, and art supplies were provided by the county. The scenes were designed by fourth- and fifth-grade public school students and depicted sea life, including turtles, jellyfish, and dolphins.  Preventing the disposal of grass clippings, trash, and household chemicals into storm drains is critical to maintaining safe and clean waterways.

Potluck Dinner to Celebrate Diversity

The GFWC Skowhegan Woman’s Club (ME) held a potluck dinner at Christmastime to celebrate their diversity. Club members come from various backgrounds with stories and traditions passed down from generation to generation, and they wanted to share those traditions. Members brought a dish that is served in their home during the holidays, a recipe to share, and a story about the origin of the dish. Members learned a little more about each other while enjoying a delicious meal.

Comfort and Joy for Veterans

The GFWC Wamego Study Club (KS) hosted a Christmas Veterans Workshop to sew and decorate 217 red, green, and white felt stockings. Sweet treasures of chocolate and peppermint were tucked inside each stocking, and hygiene items and gift cards were also donated. The stockings were used as tray favors for veterans at the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. They are a favorite with the veterans and are kept as a Christmas keepsake.

Boo Boo Bunnies and Bookworms

The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club (MA) provided a craft activity once a month at the Northborough Library that tied into the library’s theme of the week. The club came up with creative craft ideas such as “boo boo” bunnies, bookworms, dog puppets, and a fun frog and fly craft game for the “Tuesday Crafternoon.” Extra supplies were donated to the library and 30 kits were assembled each month for families to complete at home.

“Be The Light” Youth Coloring Contest

The Junior Women’s Club of Lake Murray (SC) hosted their Second Annual Youth Coloring Contest. Coloring pages reflected the “Be the Light” club theme and encouraged children to express their creativity and appreciation for the arts. Ten submissions were judged and a winner for each category, ages 6 and under and 7-12, were announced and awarded with art supplies and a personalized lap desk. The contest was advertised on the club’s Facebook page and website.

Warm Hats for Warm Hearts

The Santa Clara Woman’s Club (CA) “Warm Hats for Warm Hearts” project was designed to share their knitting and crocheting skills with the community. Volunteer time was spent knitting, crocheting, and embellishing hats, which were donated to the Kaiser Oncology Infusion Center; the Santa Clara Salvation Army Nutrition Program, which provides hot lunches for Seniors; and to the St. Justin Community Ministry, which provides food, jackets, hats, and blankets to families and people without homes.

Artwork for Community Heroes

The Darien Woman’s Club (IL) used Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, their website, and Sign-Up Genius to safely work with each other, schools, and churches to have groups create 5.5”x5.5” cardboard canvases expressing thanks to community heroes. Each step allowed for contactless exchange of the canvases and artwork. Final artwork was compiled into “hanging quilts” displayed at the library for the summer. The artwork was also requested to be displayed at a 9/11 Remembrance Day event at a local park.

Making a House a Home

The GFWC Oconomowoc Junior Woman’s Club (WI) partnered with Oconomowoc High School to provide a service-learning opportunity as part of the school’s Freshman Day of Service. The students learned about homelessness and expanded the club’s work to help furnish apartments for families by making personal home décor items to help “make the house a home.” Art supplies were purchased, and students created 20 pillows, 30 dishtowels, 20 macramé wall hangings, and 15 paintings.