Chapter Area Happenings

Temecula, Hemet, San Diego: When considering what type of service project to do, I felt inspired to keep it local and invite women in the community to help. I came across a foster agency called Angels, which is specific to San Diego County. They are an amazing nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to make a difference in our foster system. They place young children in homes where the foster parents are physically and financially responsible for caring for the child. No state or federal money is given to these families for assistance. I was touched by the mission of this organization and decided to make and donate tag blankets that will be used as security blankets for children being placed through their foster agency. These children are usually moved around a few times before finding their long term placement with Angels and I wanted to provide the children with a source of security that will travel with them wherever they go. The tag blankets are underway! I have gathered materials and have made a few examples. With a wonderful group of women from my church and the community, we are planning to get together in May and make as many tag blankets as we can to donate to Angels!           Stephanie McKnight

Upland, Fontana, Rancho, Redlands, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Beaumont: We will be attending the tour of Casa Colina Rehabilitation Hospital in May. This is the facility that Eleanor Francis Smith started as her project when she was national Mother of theYear in 1936.  What a wonderful project it was... one that has helped thousands of children and adults over the years.  We also are planning a meeting in June to have a speaker inviting other mothers in our area to attend.  This next week we are delivering 50 blankets to a women’s family shelter that also teaches mothering classes to unwed mothers.  When the girls complete the course they receive a blanket for their new baby. We are also starting a monthly lecture series at our local library on different topics of parenting taught by professionals in their topic area. Finally in November we have made the initial contacts to honor mothers whose sons and daughters are serving in the military.  We will keep you posted on this idea and let you know how it is going.

                                                                                                                                 Bev Nelson