This year, Altrusa International Centre County is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Club President Roxanne Barzona and Communications Chair Brenda Ruby reflected on the club’s history and accomplishments, including the numerous service, literacy, fundraising and international projects the organization has facilitated and participated in.
Ruby explained that the club aims to, “lead a better community” through its “leadership, partnership and service.” One project that Ruby and Barzona are especially proud of is the club’s partnership with the Days for Girls organization that provides reusable, washable feminine care products to women, mostly in underdeveloped countries. Barzona said, “I love Days for Girls…[the problem] is an ongoing thing and something that will never stop and will always be needed, but it’s really made a difference.”
Another project the pair is proud of is the club’s fundraiser for Holly’s Home, an organization that is building a home for hospice. This year, Altrusa hosted its “Showers of Flowers” fundraiser selling flower bulbs, with the proceeds going towards buying a washer and dryer for the home.
Altrusa enjoys partnering with organizations like Days for Girls and Holly’s Home to amplify other organizations’ community service projects. Ruby noted that, “We partner with as many other organizations as possible because you get the most bang for your buck and you’re going to help the most people that way.” Barzona said, “It’s not a competition, it’s about reaching as many people as we can.”
In addition to its partnered efforts, Altrusa does a food drive every year for the food bank it manages, tackles environmental issues, and more. For example, the club “adopted” a section of Tadpole Road in Ferguson Township to clean twice a year.
Altrusa International was founded in 1917, and the organization boasts Eleanor Roosevelt as an alumna. Altrusa’s Centre County chapter is one of over 300 Altrusa clubs that span 11 different countries. Barzona is aiming to raise awareness about the Centre County club’s presence in the local community. She said, “When I took over as president, one of the things I wanted to do was make our name more known. At 70 years, some people still don’t know us.” She is passionate about Altrusa’s mission, stating, “I love the club, I love the things that we do.”
After 70 years in the Centre County community, Altrusa remains dedicated to providing services to both local, national and international initiatives. Ruby noted that, “Anything you can do to make this world a little brighter is worth it.”
Those interested in Altrusa’s mission can visit the Altrusa Centre County Facebook page for more information on the club’s current initiatives and membership information. Altrusa members meet on the third Wednesday of every month at the Good Shepherd Church.
-Madeline Miller, CND Correspondent