Elves at the North Pole

Four members of our club volunteered as Santa's Elves to support the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation fundraising effort with the Journey to the North Pole.  We had lots of fun sharing some of the magic at Santa's Workshop with all the children and families who came on the Polar Express.  We laughed, we sang, we shouted and clapped and ended the evening truly believing in the magic of Christmas.

Cathy, Thelma, Kathy, and Cindy as jolly Elves.

County Altrusa - Cohost DCYF - Foster Family Christmas Party - December 12th

One of the first community service projects that Carroll County Altrusa participated in was the Christmas party for the Foster Families in Carroll County. We have moved from the Tri-Cap building, to Runnells Hall and now to the Madison Elementary school. The party grows and is an event that members and the families look forward to. This year, Santa arrived quietly and the excitement on the children's face told the whole story. The smiles were big and the hugs even bigger. We respect the privacy of all of our families and children, so there aren't any photos.

One of our members made balloon animals, other friends did face painting, there was cookie decorating, and a craft table. A big box of lego's was set out and many of the youngsters gravitated to that table. There was a buffet with appetizers and wonderful desserts. A good time was had by all.

Santa was happy to pose with the members attending. Santa has joined us every year and is so special to the children.

The set up crew....

  
Visiting with Santa before we left

Cindy creates a crown for Kathy M

Face painting wasn't just for the children.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays and Fabulous New Year to all.

Stockings for Soldiers

On Sunday afternoon, November 22nd, this great group of Altrusans joined other volunteers at the White Mountain Hotel to fill Christmas stockings for soldiers.  All the stockings will be shipped to those servicemen and women stationed overseas during the Christmas season. 

Donation to North Country Cares

Judy, Dorothy and Kathy met with Emily Smith-Mossman of North Country Cares at noontime today at North Country Fair Jewelers to give her our Altrusa donation for the backpacks for the Bags of Love Program.  "Bags of Love" is an emergency bag of essentials for kids placed into the foster care system.  The clothing and needs supplied to DCYF come to the children as an anonymous donation.    We can promote both Altrusa and North Country Cares.  Thanks everyone for helping with this!

The "Wrap it Up!" Crew

Although our "Wrap it Up" fundraiser got off to a slow start, the crew had a lot of fun chatting, eating snacks and enjoying each others company.  We had time to sit with Santa at the Kiwanis fundraiser and have our photo taken.  Dorothy was our promoter extraordinaire strolling around Settlers Green telling all about our gift wrapping project.

Wrap it Up!!

Shopping this weekend for just the right gift?  Searching for that perfect sweater for someone special?  Bring a friend and shop at Settlers Green this weekend and enjoy special discounts and coupons.  And once you have your gift, get it wrapped!  All done!  Gift wrapping will be available at Settlers Green provided by Altrusa of Carroll County as a fundraiser for our scholarship and literacy programs. 

Make a Difference Day Service Project

   

 This year, our October 24th Make A Difference Day service project was to assist the Laura Foundation with their fundraising project, Halloween Town.  Halloween Town is located near King Pine Ski Area at Camp Tohkumeupog for Boys in East Madison.  Halloween Town provided a fun Trick or Treat Trail for children and families as children could walk from one camp cabin (each specially decorated) to another. WMUR even had a story about the event.  A large tent providing games and rides was also available to children.  A team of us from Altrusa staffed the drink booth and we busily poured coffee, hot cocoa and hot cider for families.  Of course, we dressed in costume and enjoyed seeing the variety of costumes on the children and adults, especially the little ones... so cute!  All money earned at Halloween Town went to the Laura Foundation which seeks to provide funding to develop and support therapeutic recreation and educational programs that enrich the lives of individuals with autism and/or seizure disorders.