Volunteers in Action: GFWC Florida and GFWC Brunswick Woman’s Club

July 27, 2021

GFWC Florida 

Members of GFWC Florida had the opportunity to demonstrate their volunteer spirit throughout the past month as they came together to support the first responders working at the site of the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida.

Led by Elizabeth Fisher, a member of GFWC Miami Springs Woman’s Club and the State President’s Project Chairman, GFWC volunteers helped provide relief for 400 first responders and many anxious families.

Hydration and personal safety became a challenge for first responders working in wet, hot, and humid conditions, so clubwomen delivered hundreds of neck gaiters, boot dryers, moisture-control socks, foot powder, blister relief items, and t-shirts. They provided midnight meals and returned daily with thousands of water bottles and snacks for the first responders and anxious families waiting onsite as well.

GFWC volunteers also donated tents, tables, chairs, and industrial fans that were contributed by a local store, giving first responders an opportunity to replenish their strength during breaks. These items will remain with the Miami-Dade Fire Department for future use. In addition, clubwomen provided kitchen items for 35 families who lost their homes and are moving into new permanent living quarters.

GFWC Florida State President Dianne Foerster said she is glad clubwomen could offer their help to the people impacted by this tragedy and offered her thanks to everyone who participated.

Elizabeth Fisher expressed her appreciation to GFWC Florida clubwomen as well.

“GFWC Florida, your love and encouragement is so heartwarming,” she said. “Thank you for showing love, respect, and kindness to our first responders and our community during this incredibly difficult time.”

GFWC Brunswick Woman’s Club 

Members of the GFWC Brunswick Woman’s Club (Georgia) participated in the GFWC Georgia Day of Service in a big way this year. In addition to donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities, clubwomen decided to “Pack the Pantry” at Nunnally House in Brunswick, Georgia. The facility is located adjacent to the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation Brunswick Campus and offers rooms for cancer patients receiving treatment, families of critical care patients, medical students, and on-call staff.

The clubwomen donated items such as individually packaged snacks, cookies, crackers, granola bars, macaroni and cheese, and more, as well as cups, plastic silverware, and plates and bowls. In total, members bought more than $450 worth of food, drinks, and utensils.

Club President Patricia Porto said the clubwomen were all excited to help make a difference for people in their community.

“Knowing our donations give some comfort for families caring for their cancer-stricken members is why so many of our club members give so generously to the Nunnally House each year,” she said.

Eight members of the GFWC Brunswick Woman’s Club went to Nunnally House to deliver the donations, and upon arrival they were offered a tour of the facility.

Club Treasurer Kathleen Orians Dawson said she was glad the club was able to bring these donations to the organization.

“We were delighted to be able to ‘Pack the Pantry’ at Nunnally House again this year,” she said. “The members really enjoyed providing snacks, drinks, and other goodies to make things easier for the families that Nunnally House serves.