Community Projects & Fundraisers
Comfort & Care Bundles
WCH provides up to 200 backpacks per year to displaced youth and foster children in our area. Comfort & Care Bundles are distributed by Child Protective Services, Emmaus House, House of Suenos, Kinship Society, and Chamberlains Children's Center. Materials and money are donated by fundraisers, club members, corporate sponships, and through individuals in the community.
Beauty is a Strong Woman Fashion Show
New to our fundraising efforts in 2018 is the annual "Beauty is a Strong Woman" Fashion Show. The inaugural spring time show was a sell-out with over 140 guests in attendance. The event raised a net slightly over $3,000 to be allocated to the Comfort & Care Bundles Project, Laundry to Literacy, and Scholarship programs.
Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser
Two weeks every year in April, under the cover of darkness and sometimes disguises, teams of "Flockettes" take to planting flocks of flamingos on unsuspecting residence lawns and yards. Funds are donated to place flocks and are even given to keep the flocks migrating to other lawns. The funds are used for our community projects like Comfort & Care Project and the Scholarship program. This project is terrific fun and one of our biggest fundraisers.
Laundry to Literacy
A community project started in 2014 by then President Laura Lee, the L2L project puts thousands of books into the hands of children every year. Three local laundromats serve as libraries for the stacks of books volunteers leave for the children to read and to take home for free. We accept donations of gently used books, both in English and Spanish. We partner with the San Benito County Office of Education with the "Bridges to Learning" program.
Scholarship
Each year we accept applications for our Women's Club of Hollister Scholarship from high school seniors residing in San Benito County. Each applicant must meet specific criteria to be considered. Awards are presented in April.
Small Steps
Small Steps was founded in 1997 by members of a local accounting firm. Our mission is to provide warm winter coats and shoes for children of San Benito County that may not otherwise receive these needed items. Our intention has been to serve as many local children on this one day each November without incurring overhead expenses. All contributions received pay for services, not overhead. www.smallstepssbc.org
Social Activities & Special Projects
Book Club
Enjoy reading and getting together with friends? Then the book club is calling you! If you are interested in joining a club, please contact Martha Blaser at marthablaser@gmail.com.
Bunco Group
The WCH Bunco Group is a fun girl's night out. Members take turns hosting bunco, with dinner and an update on Women's Club activities. They meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in joining or being on the substitute list, please contact Nancy Bailey at nanc_bail@yahoo.com.
Coupons for the Military
Coupons for the Military is a program supported by the GFWC and modeled after a program from Support Our Troops. The guidelines can be found here .
Stuff the Bus
United Way of SB and San Benito County Office of Education team up annually to accept donations of backpacks and school supplies to children in our community. Volunteers pack the backpacks with items and "stuff the bus" for this outreach program.
Note: WCH's Comfort & Care Bundles provide a blanket, clothing, books, stuffed animal, and toiletries. Stuff the Bus backpacks provides school supplies.
Comfort & Care Bundle Project
What is a Comfort & Care Bundle?
The Comfort & Care Bundle Project provides a bridge of essentials at one of the most chaotic times in a small person's life.
In its ninth year, the Care Bundles provides 180 backpacks to children in need from ages 0 to 17 with clothing, personal care items, a blanket, book and a small toy. The Women's Club of Hollisterprovides these items through generous donations by its members and sponsors, fundraisers, and outreach to the community.
Thank you!
Learn More
If you would like us to present this information to a community group or to your employees, please contact us at:
Kimberly Kimber - k2etc@earthlink.net
Kathy Kessler - kkessler@sbcglobal.net
Art Contest Winners
San Benito Students Take First Place in WCH Art Contest
Pictured on the right is senior Jasmine Ulloa who received First Place recognition for her work at the local, district and state Women's Clubs level. She won a $500 scholarship and was featured on the cover of the California Clubwoman magazine.
Junior Madison Ricker took first place honors in her division at local, district and state level.
The ladies were guided by retiring art teacher, Mr. John Robrock.
Some of the Art Entered
Art was submitted by Sam Benito County students from elementary, middle schools and high school. The Women's Club of Hollister was delighted by the number of First, Second, and Third Place winners.