We’re excited to announce that three charities will be represented at our upcoming meeting. These organizations are being considered as the Main Charity for the 2025–2026 year.

After the meeting, we will open the voting process to determine which charity will be selected. You will receive an email shortly after the meeting with a link to cast your vote. In addition, we will be sending out a letter in September requesting donations to support the selected charity. This is an important decision, and we encourage all members of the West Orange Women’s Club to participate in the vote.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Below is the information Linda Pintro put together on each charity and I’ve added the intent of using the funds from WOW.

Warm regards,

Alice Bergeson – President

Eight Waves

““Eight Waves is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families thrive.  Poverty isn’t some distant issue; it’s happening right here in our own neighborhoods of West Orange County. That’s why Eight Waves shows up, for one local child at a time. We meet kids where they are with food when there’s none at home, hygiene items when there’s nothing in the cabinet, free tutoring, literacy support, and summer camps when families can’t afford them, and real-life opportunities that help them believe in something bigger.
We expose children to careers they’ve never seen before, opening their eyes to new possibilities, building confidence, and helping them dream beyond their circumstances. Last year, we stood beside 1,574 local children making sure they felt seen, supported, and never alone. This is what it means to break the cycle of poverty—together.”   Www.Eightwaves.org

A vote for this organization will fund projects that WOW members can participate in, coordinated by Laura Radius, as well as provide financial support for this project.

West Orange Dream Center

“West Orange Dream Center is a faith-based community center dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of the individuals and families we serve. As a hub for nonprofits and ministries, we connect our community with vital resources—whether through our own programs or by hosting partners who provide essential services.
Without our space, many of our partners would have no place to meet or bring these valuable resources to the community. Donor support is crucial in keeping our doors open, allowing us to continue facilitating these partnerships and providing resources that directly benefit the people we serve.
From children's programs to soft skills training for the workplace, and even cutting-edge Virtual Reality-based education, our initiatives are designed to empower individuals with the skills they need to break the cycles of poverty and build brighter futures. Each of our programs and partners is committed to fostering relationships and supporting individuals in their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Join us in making a difference. Whether through donations, volunteering, or other forms of support, your involvement helps us keep our doors open and continue connecting people to the resources they need to thrive.” https://www.wodreamcenter.org/

A vote for this organization will be financial support.  (A check)

The Russell Home for Atypical Children

“The Russell Home was the first non-profit institution in the country for brain-damaged children. Today you would find quietly hanging in the home a dusty occupational license dated Nov. 13, 1951, when Mrs. Russell opened her home to the first child to “see if it would work out.” Since then, the home has opened its doors to hundreds of youngsters, sometimes after hearing pleas from desperate parents, and in more than one instance, finding them just left on the doorstep.
The physical home consists of a nursery, dormitory wing, playrooms, living room areas, kitchen and large laundry room. The nursery, done up in bright colors with many posters and stuffed animals, is cheerful for the children. However, if you are ever fortunate enough to visit, bring plenty of tissue as you will find before the end of your visit you will not have a dry eye. The love that is in this home, expressed through the eyes, sounds, and smiles from the children will make you count your blessings for the simple things in life.
The Russell Home is also a proud member of the Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies.” For more information on this organization, please click https://russellhome.org/

A vote for this organization will be financial support.  (A check)

RECIPES for Matthew's Hope Breakfasts

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Crockpot Sausage and Gravy

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In the past our members contributed to the following:

Our annual Charity Letter
Spring Egg Auction
Jewelry sales
50/50
$1000 Raffle
Change for Charity
miscellaneous charity gifts
Designated Giving with our ORANGE PIG
Food Drives
Candy for Kids

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Christmas Cards

Every year the ladies fill out cards for our local veterans. this usually takes place at the November or December luncheon.

50/50

At every monthly luncheon we sell raffle tickets, 3 for a $1. Half the money collected goes to our charity, and the rest goes to the holder of the winning ticket. Cynthia Johnson-Guarino won at the December luncheon.

Charity Letters

Once a year our members receive a letter asking for a cash donation for our charity. the total for 2020-2021 was $4704.

Change Jar

Remember to toss your change in the container marked Change for Charity at the check-in table. Our new charity will reap the benefit.

Jewelry

WOW raises money for our charity by selling our gently loved jewelry.  Thank you to all that bought or donated jewelry.  Gently loved jewelry may be donated at any luncheon or given to a Board member.  

Books

We are now raising money by selling used books periodically at our luncheons for a dollar each.

ONGOING.....

CAPS for Matthew's Hope

CROCHETERS AND KNITTERS - is anyone interested in making hats for Matthew's Hope for their Christmas Party in December?  Mary Greene would crochet at least one most every evening while watching TV.  If some of us start soon, we might have enough by December.  Thank you. The yarn is CARRON ONE POUND, DEEP VIOLET or any color you like.   Instructions are available for knitting as well as crocheting by clicking on the yarn.   Darby Turnipseed        darby0209@yahoo.com.

Instructions (crochet and knit)

More Instructions for caps --  newborn this time!

Instructions