President Joycelyn Patrick encourages involvement by all our members in Community Service Programs – Arts and Culture, Engagement and Outreach; Education and Libraries; Environment; Health and Wellness; Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention; Human Trafficking; Advocates for Children. Her goal is to have active participation in at least one of these projects each month.
On January 8, 2025, a check was presented to the Delray Beach Public Library. Pictured are: Shirley Johnson, Mykal Banta (Executive Director of the Library), Mal Bates, Joycelyn Patrick, Myra Syderman, Kae Jensons, and Maureen Cleary.
“What a magical time we had at the annual Kids-n-Cops Heroes & Helpers event on December 7, 2024.” Spending the morning were 120 local students with our heroes – first responders, Delray Beach Police and Fire Rescue, along with the Palm Beach County School District police. It was a special day filled with joy!
The children had a chance to take photos with Santa and received $100 Target gift cards to shop for themselves and their families. After an exciting shopping spree with their buddy officers and firefighters, volunteers wrapped the presents to make the holiday season even brighter.
In November 2024, a check was presented to Danielle Beardsley and Danielle Pearson of the Parks & Recreation Department of Delray Beach for the city’s Turkey Giveaway. Pictured with the ladies is our President, Joycelyn Patrick.
International Firefighters’ Day is observed on May 4, 2024, in order to honor firefighters for their service internationally, remember firefighters who lost their lives during service, and to commemorate firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks. Several members delivered baked items to the Delray Beach Fire and Rescue firefighters at Station #5, Old Germantown Road.
On March 28, 2024, member Linn Okkelberg delivered a large food donation to Eat Better, Live Better. The organization provides nutritional and healthy good guidance to children and families. Linn collected the generous food items from her community, Rainberry Bay in Delray Beach.
IGNITING LITERACY IN EVERY STUDENT was held at the Delray Beach Public Library on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The three speakers described literacy learning and learning to read through the lens of storytelling, understanding the Science of Reading, and working with the dyslexic learner. The speakers, each an expert in their field, offered insight into the tutoring techniques of their field and responded to audience questions. The Woman’s Club provided lunch.
SHOP WITH A COP was held at the Target Department Store on Linton Blvd on December 9, 2023. Officers from the Delray Beach Police Department assisted youngsters in selecting gifts for their families and several members of the Woman’s Club wrapped the gifts for the children. This shopping experience not only spreads holiday cheer, but also fosters positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
GFWC Woman’s Club members Juli Casale, Joyce Warner, Myra Snyderman, and Tennille Decosta assisted members of Heros and Helpers in wrapping gifts for the children.
On May 5, 2023, a second BOOKS IN THE PARK Little Library was placed at Pompey Park. Officials of the community attended as well as students from the Spady Elementary School. Each student was given a book to enjoy reading.
BOOKS IN THE PARK is a Little Library Project that was a “work in progress” at the Teen Center under the supervision of Lloyd (Tony) Chin as one of the Women’s Club service projects. Four library boxes will be placed in the local parks.
On May 5, 2023, members delivered homemade baked goods to firefighters at the Delray Beach Fire & Rescue Station at Barwick and Lake Ida Rds in honor of INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS DAY. We thanked the firefighters for their dedicated service.
Projects in previous years included:
2021 “Back-2-School Backpack” event when 1000 backpacks were filled with school supplies. Along with amazing community volunteers, our members gathered at the Community Center to pack supplies donated by the City of Delray Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and other partners and donors.
Collecting new men’s socks for the “Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach” was the chosen project for 2021, as well as collecting towels and old sheets to donate to “Puppy’s for Love.” Woman’s Club also supported three 10th grade girls from Atlantic High School for the HOBY Leadership Training Program in June.
Towels and 75 hygiene kits for homeless men and women who visit the “Shower Trucks” and “Caring Kitchen” were contributed at our April 2021 meeting. Vice President Linn Okkelberg collected and delivered 115 pairs of socks to Judy Fenney of the Interfaith Committee