Volunteers in Action: GFWC Woman’s Club of the Lowcountry and GFWC Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club
November 1, 2022
GFWC Woman’s Club of the Lowcountry 
In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the GFWC Woman’s Club of the Lowcountry (South Carolina) donated “Pink Bags” to a local doctor’s office for patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Clubwoman Kathy Ricardo explained the bags were filled with a variety of items to bring comfort to these individuals, such as face cream, lip balm, small blankets, warm socks, puzzle books, and more. During the club’s monthly meeting, at least 30 bags were collected.
Kathy said this project is important to all the clubwomen since several members are breast cancer survivors themselves and they believe it is important to show their support to others in the community as well.
“This was a community action that we really wanted to take,” she said, adding that she is always impressed with how giving and helpful the clubwomen are to others.
GFWC Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club 
The GFWC Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club (Virginia) donated 127 care bags to Salvation Army’s Turning Point facility in Roanoke, Virginia, for survivors of domestic violence. Communications and Public Relations Chair Julie Gladu said the club has participated in this project for several years and the members are always happy to be able to help individuals in need in their community.
“We are proud of the work this organization does and we want to support them,” she said.
Each bag is filled with a variety of personal care items such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and more. Julie said they also include a message of hope and encouragement along with every bag.
“When someone goes to the shelter, they are able to freshen up and have a nice bag to keep their things in,” she said.
Julie said the club will continue to be passionate about domestic violence awareness and making a positive difference for survivors however possible.
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Featured Member
Phyllis Sippel
With a background in nursing, hospital administration, and leadership training, Phyllis Sippel has always been dedicated to helping others. When she learned that a woman’s club was going to be organized in her community, she knew it would be a good fit for her.
Success For Survivors Scholarship
Each year, GFWC awards scholarships to help intimate partner abuse survivors obtain a post-secondary education that offers a chance to reshape their future by securing employment and gaining personal independence.
Featured Club
The Rochester Junior Women's Club
The Rochester Junior Women’s Club (Michigan) was established in 1956 with 16 members, and today has over 70 members that always come together to support one another. The club chooses three or four major charities to support and several smaller ones, donating approximately $30,000 each year. In total since its inception, the club has provided more than 1 million hours of community service, and raised more than $928,000 to support their community!