2016 Annual Convention Service Projects Are Announced

January 15, 2016

For our service project at the 2016 Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, we are unleashing GFWC’s awesome volunteer power on the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center. This WHRC (not to be confused with our own WHRC – Women’s History and Resource Center) provides fundamental shelter and food to 275 people (200 men, 75 women on average) each day. Open 24/7, the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center is a “low-barrier” shelter, meaning they accept virtually everyone. Not only are basic necessities provided, the WHRC endeavors to assist residents in finding permanent housing through case management and a variety of life skills and empowerment classes. Nearly 70% of people experiencing homelessness in Baltimore used the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center at some point last year. After personally visiting the facility and talking with their staff, we know this is a worthwhile cause where GFWC can make a fantastic impact.

Here’s the way you or your club can get involved!  From now until the June 2016 Convention, GFWC Headquarters will be collecting items for Weinberg Housing and Resource Center. During the Convention at the Sisterhood of Service Luncheon on Sunday, June 26, attendees will have the opportunity to help assemble hundreds of bags for the WHRC to pick up.  We would prefer that your donations be shipped to GFWC Headquarters prior to June 1 – but Convention attendees are welcome to bring additional items with them if collected or purchased after that date.

• Items for Toiletry Bags (Weinberg’s biggest need!): Deodorant, Soap, Razors/Shaving Cream, Lotion, Socks, Underwear, Feminine Hygiene Products, Toothbrushes/Toothpaste, travel size Shampoo, Comb/Brush, Tissues, etc. – all items need to be new
• Items for Home Starter Kit (maximum of 30 needed due to Weinberg’s limited space): Towels, Sheets, Air Mattress, Basic Kitchen Utensils, Collapsible Laundry Bag

Monetary donations are always welcome, and any money received from our members will be used to buy food for a meal kit we will assemble during the luncheon. If sending a personal check please make sure your GFWC club name is included in the memo line. If you choose to send any of the items listed above, please include your club name and address in the package. All monetary donations will be acknowledged from GFWC with a letter of thanks. Non-monetary donations will also receive an acknowledgement letter from GFWC but without a value listed. Questions? Contact Derek Tennant at dtennant@gfwc.org.