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Community Outreach Projects


The Community Outreach committee manages the Woman's Club of Evanston’s local volunteer projects.  It is large committee with many opportunities for all our members to get to know, participate in, and even lead important work in the community.  Every member is asked to serve in at least two community service events each year. As a Club, our members give more than 5000 hours of community service each year to various projects.

 

Dreams Delivered

Every year, we transform our historic clubhouse into a very special prom boutique, outfitting any ETHS and other students with a new/nearly new prom dress, shoes, and jewelry free of charge.  We also provide hair/make-up sessions.  We have helped over 700 kids during the last 10 years. 

 

Sewing Circle

This longstanding group meets monthly to sew aromatherapy “hearts” for babies in the NICU at local hospitals, as well as breast forms/comfort pillows for women who have had a mastectomy, walker totes for seniors, etc. based on community needs.  This group is informal, with no sewing experience needed—there are tasks like cutting fabric and ironing finished items that we all can do!

 

Soup Kitchen

Once a month WCE members assist the First Presbyterian Church's Souper Saturday in preparing and serving delicious and nutritious lunches to those in need every month.

 

ESCCA (Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association)

WCE members help needy families “shop” for new and gently used clothing for their kids at the District 65 headquarters building throughout the school year

 

Back-to-School Drives

In late summer each year, we partner with community organizations (C24/7 Father's Arms Ministries, Evanston School Children's Clothing Association) to ensure kids and their families in the area have the supplies and clothing they need to start the new school year right.

 

Holiday Gifts and Parties

WCE members work with several local organizations, including Housing Opportunities for Women and Family Focus, to provide gift cards, baked goods, goody bags, and a fun holiday for all members of families in need during the holiday season.

 

Martin Luther King Day of Service

Our focus for the MLK Day is on making Valentine’s Day cards and gift bags both for female members of the Armed Services and for kids in the hospital.  Members (often with the help of their families) craft fun home-made cards with a personal touch.

 

YWCA Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate

The Race Against Hate honors the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong, former Northwestern University men's basketball coach, who was murdered in 1999 by a white supremacist.  WCE members staff the primary water station for participants; we also field a team of runners and walkers who raise funds for this cause.

 

Diaper and Hygiene Item Drives

We partner with Bundled Blessings and with Interfaith Action Evanston to collect diapers and hygiene items for distribution to local families once or twice a year—items that may not otherwise be covered by governmental assistance programs.