We are a volunteer organization providing services and programs in Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement & Outreach, Education & Libraries, Environment, and Health & Wellness
We are an amazing group of women of all ages, talents, and interests unified by our common desire to serve our community.
Membership is open to any woman over 18 years old, living in Wilbraham or any other community that doesn't have its own GFWC of Massachusetts Junior Club.
The club annual meeting was held at the Center Square Grill. A new board was installed and four new members welcomed: Nikki Goewey, Karen Gatchell, Kate Hamer, and Kathy Gardner.
A night of Bingo fun was held in September at the Gremio Lusiano Club in Ludlow. Over 150 women came to play and try their luck at winning a designer bag. An additional 22 bag-related raffle prizes were also awarded. (see photos below)
Area shelters for both the homeless and victims of domestic violence receive food and clothing donations from the many generous people in our community. The Junior Women's Club became aware of a need for art supplies to nurture the creativity of the children in residences and family support centers. Donations were collected throughout the summer at the Wilbraham Farmers Market and the response from the community exceeded our expectations. One recently retired art teacher was thrilled to find a home for her many treasures. Children brought us crayons, markers, and paint. We received an amazing variety of both tools and crafting items from scissors and glue to pipe cleaners and google eyes. As a result, six centers in the local area each received a large bin full of art and craft supplies. The donations were received with surprise and pleasure, and Club members hope they bring much enjoyment and enrichment to the residents.
Over the summer we stocked and staffed the Snack Shack at the Fountain Park concerts. All items were priced at $1 to make it fun and affordable for everyone. Several young volunteers worked the booth and we hope to see them there again next year. The money raised was donated to the Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Center who maintains Fountain Park. The leftover snacks and beverages were donated to the Police and Fire Department.
A local church partnered with Haiti Health Promise of Holy Name and planned a meal packaging event with Feed the Hunger. GFWC Wilbraham Junior Women’s Club members Kathy Fuss and Katy Reed co-chaired the event and 150 individuals from the community volunteered during the two day event to help with the assembly of the meal packages. Teams of volunteers filled bags with rice, dehydrated pinto beans, dehydrated vegetables and vitamin powder. 47,760 bags were packaged and each bag provides a completely nutritious meal with six-servings. The meals from this packathon are going directly to Haiti to be distributed by the Haiti Health Promise of Holy Name facility located in Milot, Haiti.