Altrusa of Bloomington members once again are ringing bells during the holidays to raise funds for the Salvation Army. Pictured are Dawna Petersen and Glenda Chestnut during a recent volunteer time at College Mall.
The group also had its annual holiday party at the home of member Margit Ruppe, where attendees enjoyed fine food, camaraderie among members and guests, and a brief meeting to firm up plans for the next tea at Jill's House (see below).
The club resumes its regular schedule of meetings in January.
Altrusa of Bloomington members are supporting Jill's House with their time and donations.
Jill's House, adjacent to the Midwest Proton Radiation Institute, provides lodging for patients treated at MPRI and their families.
Altrusans recently donated a computer for the Jill's House residents to use and they've been organizing and updating materials in the library. They also have hosted monthly teas to provide refreshments to the residents and their families.
Members Amal Altoma and Mary Ann Wampler were two of the first to take on the monthly visits to maintain the library space. They report that the computer is heavily used and they recommend donating printer paper.
Members interested in volunteering should contact Amal. Altrusa has committed to two members spending a few hours the second Tuesday of each month maintaining the Jill's House library.
Carrying on a long tradition, Altrusans organized the refreshments for participants of the April 21-24 Quiz Bowl, the Monroe County Public Library's annual fundraiser to support its VITAL program. VITAL helps new learners by supplying tutors and materials.
Altrusans served food during the last night of the four-night competition. Local groups organize teams to compete in the Jeopardy-style trivia contest, with only one winner remaining at the end of the elimination contest.
Altrusa president Glenda Chestnut and member Amal Altoma attended the District Six conference April 18-20 in Terre Haute. They returned with information and ideas to present to the general meeting in May.
Altrusans donated $1,000 towards Jill's House.
In support of local social service agencies, Altrusa of Bloomington donated $1,000 to support Jill's House and $1,000 to Middle Way House during the group's March 13 meeting.
Jill's House is designed to provide lodging for those undergoing treatment at the Midwest Proton Radiation Institute in Bloomington.
Bud and Peg Howard, fundraisers and administrators at Jill's House, attended the Altrusa March 13 meeting to talk about the project. They said they will use the money to provide computer access for patients and their families staying at the facility.
Altrusans also donated $1,000 to Middle Way House.
Jill's House is named in honor of the late Jill Behrman, an IU student who was murdered. The Howards lost their son, Steve, to cancer and have since supported families with children in crisis.
Middle Way House is a shelter for victims of domestic abuse to help them recover and get on their feet. Toby Strout and Susan Lyons of Middle Way House attended the meeting, with director Strout accepting the check.