Recently, the Altrusa Club of Statesboro hit a major milestone with 100,000 books donated to Bulloch County Schools since their literacy project began in 2010.
Initially, when the The Ruth McKinnon Literacy Program began, they donated gently used books to just a few schools in the Backpack Buddies program. Now they currently donate to all 9 elementary schools in Bulloch County. As of January, they have donated an amazing total of 109,320 books.
With funding from local community organizations, including Kiwanis, EGRMC Auxillary, Rotary Club of Statesboro, the Statesboro Service League, SOAR, Books A Million, Toys for Tots, Fostering Bulloch and more, the project currently donates 1,300 books a month.
The books are then distributed through Backpack Buddies (Pre-K-5th grade) and to all elementary schools in Bulloch County. In all 9 Bulloch County Pre-K classrooms, each student receives one book a month. They now also provide kindergartners within the city one new book a month.
Pat Parsons, Chair of Altrusa says their committee is "a well-oiled machine" with book sorters, book packers, and delivery teams working to get books in the hands of Bulloch County children on a regular basis.
The two main fundraisers Altrusa holds every year are with Frazier’s Flowers. Every member of Altrusa is involved in all flower deliveries on Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Shannon Lowe, owner of Frazier’s then makes a donation to Altrusa for their dedication, time and hard work.
Altrusa International of Statesboro meets at Pittman Park UMC the first Monday of the month for its business meeting and the third Monday of the month for its program meeting.
Altrusa International is a non-profit organization whose motto 'Leading to a Better Community' reflects its commitment to giving the gifts of leadership and service to communities world wide. Altrusa Statesboro serves the Statesboro/Bulloch County area through leadership, partnership, and service. The club offers an opportunity to make a real difference in Bulloch County. They undertake a variety of service, literacy, fundraising and international projects each year.
For more information on the Statesboro chapter of Altrusa, visit the club's website or Facebook page.
