SIDNEY — Altrusa International of Sidney has received notice that they were awarded a grant from Altrusa International Foundation headquartered in Chicago.
Grant Coordinator Missy Rivera said Sidney’s Altrusa Club received $2,000 to do the Little Red Caboose Program in conjunction with Shelby County Libraries and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The Little Red Caboose Program will honor the kids who have graduated from the Imagination Library program which sends books once a month to kids from birth to age 5.
“In March 2015, Shelby County agencies launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program which has experienced a tremendous success,” said Christi Thomas, Sidney Altrusa Foundation vice chair and treasurer. “Sidney’s Altrusa Club wanted to extend that success by creating a graduation ceremony that highlights the accomplishments of these young readers while introducing them to the public library. Currently, nothing happens when the child ceases to receive books in the mail, so Altrusa will use this opportunity to promote literacy and connect young readers to community resources.”
Her report continues:
Having recently celebrated its 100th birthday in Nashville, Tennessee, Altrusa International was the first service organization for business and professional women and today has members around the world and includes men. Leadership and service are primary reasons for individuals to choose Altrusa.
Altrusa of Sidney was organized on June 10, 1944. Over the years, Sidney club members, as fundraisers, have sold pecans, sponsored a seminar series, held a Girls Night Out, sold coupon books for Elder-Beerman, and in 2018 will hold its 11th Adult Spelling Bee.
The local club also hands out scholarships in June. Over the last six years, $24,000 has been given to Shelby County students headed off to college.
Sidney members hold Bingo for the residents of Fairhaven the second Tuesday of each month; host a blood drive in July; ring the Salvation Army bell in December; and sponsor a child through Compassion International. They also work with the local “Make a Difference Day” and the downtown kids fall festival; and have made donations to the Y, Alpha Center, Compassionate Care, Shelby County Libraries, Imagination Library, and Altrusa International Foundation.
The first Little Red Caboose ceremony for kids and their parents was held on Jan. 9 and included a tour of the library, certificate, tote and light refreshments. Two more ceremonies will be held in the first and second quarters of 2018.
