PALESTINE —
On Saturday, members of Altrusa International, Inc. teamed up with members of Westwood Independent School District’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club to take steps to eliminate illiteracy in Anderson County in celebration of “Make a Difference Day.”
The Altrusans had been conducting a collection drive for several months to accumulate new and gently used children’s books and stuffed animals.
During the Hot Pepper Fest in downtown Palestine, Altrusa members and FCCLA members read excerpts of some of the books to approximately 150 children. Each child who listened to the reading was given a book and a stuffed animal of their own.
USA Weekend’s Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of October.
Created by the magazine in 1992, it soon grew into the largest community service effort in the nation, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday Americans into action on one day. Each year, 3 million people participate worldwide, helping millions more.
As a united organization, Altrusa International has participated in Make A Difference Day activities since 1997, impacting millions of people around the world.
FCCLA members who participated in the “Make a Difference Day” event were Corean Barrett, Charlie Bouse, Alexis Buck, Daijernae Edwards, Keith King, Brianna Knight, Brandi Knoch, Haylee Morrow, Samantha Mulins, Cecilia Wallback, as well as their advisors Monica Carnahan and Erika Goolsby.
Many of the FCCLA members were dressed in Halloween costumes, providing additional entertainment for the children.
FCCLA is a non-profit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private school through grade 12. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
Founded in 1917, Altrusa International Inc. is a worldwide service organization that promotes service, with a specific focus on literacy, by an international network of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. To find out more about Altrusa International, visit the organization’s website at www.altrusa.org.
Local News
Altrusa Club, Westwood students unite for Make a Difference Day
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West Nile case confirmed in Anderson County
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County judge honored for education efforts
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Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
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“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” -
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