We’re at the end of summer and looking back at what we, Assistance League of San Jose, have accomplished during those summer months. We’re quite impressed since we were still under some Covid 19 guidelines.
In June the outgoing Board and Program and Committee chairpersons shared their gained knowledge, data, accomplishments, and experiences about their positions with the Incoming Board members and Program and Committee chairpersons. It was an invaluable and beneficial exchange of information during a garden luncheon at the lovely home of one of the Board members.
In July a kick-off picnic cleverly advertised as “Antsy to See You” was held at a beautiful park for all members. The weather was perfect, the venue ideal, the ice breaker was clever, the lunch delicious and the gift baskets for bingo prizes were well worth winning! In addition, our first “Dining for Dollars” fundraiser was held. Members were so enthusiastic to get out and visit with their friends that this fundraiser brought in much more money than previous ones!
August was a very active month with many achievements. The first regular membership meeting of 2021-22 was held. Members were given the options of attending the meeting in person, going on Zoom, or reading the minutes if unable to take advantage of either of the other two first options. Volunteers supervised a petting zoo at Family Supportive Housing, a homeless shelter.
Over 300 baby layettes, handmade by our Caring Hands program, were donated to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Topics and presenters were confirmed for our monthly “Learning with the League” series. Well over 100 toiletry bags were delivered to various homeless shelters. At another shelter for young women and their children, diapers, quilts, and baby layettes were provided. And Operation School Bell got underway with the delivery of school uniforms to schools in three different school districts.
In the coming months more of the Assistance League of San Jose philanthropic programs will get underway. With pandemic restrictions still in place, new delivery systems have had to be devised. What remains the same is that our members are committed, ready and eager to be out serving the community again.
