Members, pictured left to right, are: Laura Lambert, treasurer; Ruthie Kennedy, member at large; Doris Hill, parliamentarian; Sandra Pelas, president; Vanessa Edwards-Wassom, historian; Ashley Jarrell, vice president; Jana Owen, dean of chairman. Officers not pictured: Sarah Petri, president elect; Cheryl Boatner, secretary; Ruthie Kennedy, member at large; Chris Smith, chaplain. Special project chairs not pictured: Pollyanna Robelen, Marti Lindsey, Donna Clausen, Sherry Galloway, Lisa Pinkowski.
Sandra Pelas, president of the Women’s Club of Gulfport, tells us about the organization and how it serves the community.
WHAT IS THE WOMEN’S CLUB OF GULFPORT’S PURPOSE AND MISSION?
The Women’s Club of Gulfport is a nonprofit volunteer service organization founded in 1915 that is dedicated to improving our community by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer commitment. We actively support women’s achievements, literacy for all and support for victims of sexual and domestic abuse while encouraging protection of our environment and healthy life practices for everyone.
HOW AND WHY DID THE CLUB COME ABOUT?
Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs – Mississippi Federation of Women’s Clubs actively participate in one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s volunteer service organizations. Membership includes clubs in all 50 states and a dozen other countries.
In 1898, Mrs. Fannie Coleman of Kosciusko, Mississippi, led a group of statewide members in collaboration to form the MFWC. This decision allowed the clubs to unite, improving focus and resources for education by establishing scholarships, assembling books for traveling libraries to rural schools and purchasing art to form a traveling educational exhibit. Our local club joined the MFWC in 1917.
The MFWC has made many improvements in our state. Notably, we are responsible for 75 percent of the state’s public libraries and helping to establish Mississippi Educational Television.
WHAT IS NEW AND EXCITING WITH THE CLUB?
We recently moved into our new clubhouse at 400 Security Square, Gulfport. Will Rich, a generous benefactor, donated our previous location that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Proceeds from his donation allowed us to purchase the new location, providing workspace for activities and projects.
Each club president selects a special project for her administration. We are now partnering with Four Paws Rescue to raise funds for and increase awareness of abused and neglected animal needs. We are encouraging participation in the Purina Purple Leash program, an initiative that supports animal groups donating funds when designated Purina items are purchased.
WHAT IMPACT DOES THE CLUB MAKE ON THE COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE IT SERVES? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES?
In 2021, our 33 members contributed 8,785 volunteer hours, donated $8,792 in cash funds and $15,299 in in-kind value to various charitable projects.
Examples of our outreach activities include:
- Acquiring Gulfport Fire Department Rehab Truck supplies and providing funds for Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday staff
- Maintaining the gardens at the downtown and Orange Grove libraries and observing Library and Teacher Appreciation weeks with snacks
- Providing clothing and personal care donations to local schools
- Donating pajamas, socks and hygiene items to Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence victims and providing Santa gifts for senior citizens
- Providing treats to the Gulfport Police during Memorial Recognition Week
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED BY BEING INVOLVED IN THIS CLUB?
The interaction with these community entities opens a window of understanding to the needs of children, the elderly and first responders, as well as the devastating living situations around us. Our state club motto is, “Enjoy living the volunteer life.”
My association with this club has given me the opportunity to help others in need while developing friendships with like-minded, talented women. Everyone can do something to help others.