Volunteers in Action: GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club (AZ) & GFWC Goddard Woman’s Club (KS)

October 10, 2023

The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club participated in the GFWC National Day of Service through their “Cans Because We Care Campaign” for the Paradise Valley Community Food Bank. Members collected food items and cash donations from family, friends, and community members to help fight food insecurity.  The goal was to collect $1000.  The club was thrilled when their campaign netted $2041.45 (538 pounds of food worth $611.45 and cash donations of $1430).

A Lesson in Service to Others….

One of their donors was Andrew, the 7-year-old grandson of club member, Marilyn Sharp. He had collected $22 from a charity drive in February that he decided to use for the club’s project.  With his baggie of money in hand, he selected WINCO to shop and personally selected his food choices based on what he liked to eat and what he thought was a good price. Through the process Marilyn discussed with Andrew what the food bank did for needy people. Two ladies watched and stopped to chat. Andrew explained in a very adult-like manner what he was doing for charity. Marilyn was very proud of Andrew for thinking beyond himself to be of service to others and thankful that GFWC Paradise Valley Junior WC had provided the opportunity to teach the younger generation the value of volunteering.

GFWC Goddard Woman’s Club (KS) clubwomen volunteered at the Kansas Food Bank in Wichita, Kansas to package “Food 4 Kids” weekend packets of food for children who are at the highest risk for chronic undernourishment. The packets are free and contain kid friendly, easy to open and eat items. Over 6,000 children per week are supported through the program. The Kansas Food Bank serves 85 counties in Kansas to fight food insecurity.