Volunteers in Action: GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry and GFWC Woman’s Club of Laurel, Inc.

September 28, 2021

GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry 

Members of GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry (South Carolina) have been hard at work raising money while social distancing this September. For the second year in a row, clubwoman hosted a “Serving in September” event to raise money for Doors to Freedom, a licensed residential facility which provides a safe place for minor survivors of sex trafficking to experience a transformed life. The facility provides services including academic education, vocational training, life skills, and personal growth.

Club member Sandy Iams explained this fundraiser consists of clubwoman and other members of the community setting up games, events, and other activities at the location of their choice throughout September, signing that activity up as part of the fundraiser, and making a $20 donation per person to participate in the “Serving in September” event.

“We started this last year in response to the pandemic, and it was such a wonderful project,” Sandy said.

This month-long fundraiser was created because members wanted to be able to raise money for Doors to Freedom and continue their community service work, while being mindful of safe social distancing in light of COVID-19.

“We are committed to volunteering, so we think very creatively about how we can do it in any way we can,” Sandy said.

She added the activities people have set up as part of the fundraising effort include make-your-own pizza parties, crafting activities, mahjong games, yoga, and much more.

Last year, the club raised $6,500 for Doors to Freedom, and Sandy said she is pleased to see so many people from the community participating this year as well.

“(Doors to Freedom) is a wonderful organization,” she said.

 

 

GFWC Woman’s Club of Laurel, Inc. 

This September, members of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Laurel, Inc. (Maryland) were busy helping clean up their community. As part of the Adopt-A-Road program, the club adopted Bond Mill Road several years ago. Now, volunteers with the club go out about three times a year to ensure the roadway is clean and free of trash.

Club President Delysha Henry said members divide the road into sections and split the work up between whoever is able to help.

“It doesn’t take a lot of people, which is great,” she said. “… It’s a good way to get a few steps in and check out the neighborhood.”

Delysha said the Adopt-A-Road project has been a great way for clubwoman to be involved in the community and help take care of the environment. She added in addition to cleanups later in the year, members usually host a cleanup in the spring along with other conversation projects.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she said the club was unable to do as many cleanups last year but that she was pleasantly surprised to see people living along the road had helped to keep the area clean throughout the year. Nonetheless, members are excited to be able to help out more often once again.

“I think it’s good that we have been able to maintain this area all these years,” Delysha said.