Altrusa International of Garland recently celebrated a long list of accomplishments and installed new officers for the coming year.
The organization has a long history of service to the Garland community with a focus on literacy. According to their website, a small sampling of the group’s recent projects include:
- Members donated 800 books at Daugherty and Centerville elementary school book fairs. For the second through fifth six-week periods, Centerville ES, Daugherty ES and Northlake ES read a combined total of more than 23,000 books.
- Assisted Good Samaritans of Garland, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center and Habitat for Humanity of Garland.
- Donated and sent goody boxes to deployed soldiers. To date, 54 boxes (almost 700 pounds) have been shipped.
- Raised funds for a scholarship to be awarded to a deserving Garland ISD student. This year’s recipient of the Marjorie Hall Chamberlain Scholarship recipient went to Leslie Rosas, a South Garland High School graduating senior who is ranked 9th in a class of 455.
- The members of Altrusa International of Garland are dedicated to making a real difference in Garland and would love to have new volunteers join in their service effort. Lifestyles, occu
pations and personal interests of the group’s members vary, but what they have in common is a sincere desire to help others.
Altrusa, founded in 1917, has a long history of serving the community. The Garland group is part of Altrusa District Nine. Each club determines its own projects and fundraising efforts. Members, known as Altrusans, are service-minded people of all ages and ethnicities. Both men and women are welcome to join.
District Nine First Vice-Governor Mary Pearson installed new officers.
President: Patty Lucas
President Elect: Betty Sainz
Vice President: Marlee Nickerson
Co-secretaries: Rita Johnson-Recording and Helen Partain-Attendance
Operating Treasurer: Mary Henderson
Foundation Treasurer: Jan McCortsin
Directors: Mary Dyer (2017 – 2019) and Tammy Caruso (2018 – 2020)
Historian: Tina Rhodes
Parliamentarian: Shirley Raymer
Past President: Gale Wallace