Soroptimists brighten holidays for those in need
Members of Soroptimist International of Twain Harte have not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop them from serving those in need in Tuolumne County, which they’ve been doing for more than 50 years.
For Thanksgiving, the group provided 13 families with $100 gift certificates along with large baskets filled with the makings of a Thanksgiving meal, plus a little more. The group will do the same this week so these families can have a brighter Christmas, with baskets full of food and a few surprises.
Families were chosen with the help of community members and Twain Harte Elementary School staff.
“The joy we bring these families with children is unmeasurable,” said project Chairwoman Sharon Kelley in a press release. “We have our club members donating from lists we prepare of needed ingredients, and also have members donating entire meals individually. I can not say what a pleasure it is to be able to reach out, this year in particular.”
In November, the group contributed $1,000 to the AmadorTuolumne Community Action
Agency Food Bank in honor of women veterans, and the amount was matched by the Sonora Area Foundation. The contribution was made in place of the group’s annual Women Saluting Women luncheon, which is held each November but had to be canceled this year.
The Twain Harte Soroptimists usually hold two major fundraisers each year to support community projects, which include scholarships for graduating high school seniors and Career Day for sophomore girls. Those events didn’t happen this year due to pandemic restrictions.
“Our annual crab feed was canceled … even after we had turned it to a drive-by event,” said Club President Jan Hiebert. “Our hope is to keep club members and our community safe, and any event was a risk with COVID. It was painful, especially since we also had to cancel our annual fall Twain Harte a la Carte outdoor event.”
Club members plan to continue to serve the community in 2021 with a smaller budget.
Anyone who would like to donate to the group can do so by mailing a check to P.O. Box 397, Twain Harte, CA 95383, or by emailing twainhartesoroptimist. org for more information.