by John Dowd
The Bitterroot Woman’s Club has been around since 1914, and has committed to supporting their local community. According to Carole Steigerwalt, club president, the group recently participated in a nationwide effort, and is proud of what it meant for their local efforts.
At their September meeting, the club tallied up the canned goods and monetary donations that club members had been collecting. The goal was to help fight food insecurity in the valley. Their efforts to collect these donations was part of a national effort, organized by clubs across America. The Bitterroot Woman’s Club is a local chapter, associated with a national organization, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). This national organization calls for a “national day of service” among all associated groups. The date is officially set for September 28, however, organizations have been able to do their projects anytime within the month.
“The response was wonderful,” said Steigerwalt, excited at how well everyone did in such a short amount of time. In total, members collected over 130 pounds of food and over $300 in donations.
It was decided to give the donations to the food bank in Darby, The Darby Bread Box. There are three food banks in the valley, one in Hamilton, one in Stevensville and one in Darby. Though all of the food banks work to help those in need, there was particular interest in the Darby branch. The club felt their donations would have the best effect going to Darby. According to Steigerwalt, “the Darby one was really in need.” Steigerwalt, and others in the club, believe that branch does not see as many donations throughout the year. They do receive donations during Thanksgiving, and the Christmas holiday season, but are in need the rest of the year, when donations are not at the top of everybody’s mind.
The decision to donate to Darby was unanimous among all 30 members at that meeting, said Steigerwalt. Members took the goods to the Darby Bread Box Tuesday, September 17. Steigerwalt said the food bank was completely surprised and happy to receive the donation.
The Darby Bread Box plans to use the monetary donation for things like milk and other products which will go into their boxes, providing more balanced nutrition.
Steigerwalt wanted to thank chairpersons Cathy Barth and Linda Neizgodzki, who spearheaded this project.
Though members were excited about their impact with this project, the Bitterroot Woman’s Club does a lot more throughout the year for the community. They also help with Hamilton community meals and volunteer at Cornerstone Church, on Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton, the second Tuesday of each month. There, they cook meals and give them out to people in need. At the latest meal event, on September 10, they gave out 42 meals.
Members will also soon be doing their mini pumpkins again, which they do every October. During this event, members give out over 100 of these mini pumpkins as decorations to nursing homes all across the valley.
The group does a Valentine’s Day event, where they send valentines to various members of the community. Last year, they sent valentines to the staff of the hospital and its various satellite locations. Another year, they sent some to first responders in the valley, including the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department, along with various police departments and fire stations. This year, they plan to send valentines to physical therapists, dentists and other care providers not often recognized.
For the Bitterroot Woman’s Club, this is a way for them to “show that we love you!” to people that are not always noticed for what they do for the community, said Steigerwalt. She has been in the valley for 20 years, and has been with the woman’s club for over 10. “I really enjoy helping the people in the valley – we’re working to help our people,” said Steigerwalt.
The organization president also wanted to recognize the other food banks in the valley. All of these food bank branches are in need all year, and food is not the only thing they collect to give to those in need. Another big thing, according to Steigerwalt, is toilet paper. Fresh veggies are another for this time of year, as gardens are reaching the end of the growing year. With frost coming, Steigerwalt believes any surplus would be appreciated. Interested parties can give to Haven House, in Hamilton, or to Pantry Partners in Stevensville, as well as the Darby Bread Box.
For more information on the Bitterroot Woman’s Club, interested parties can contact them by calling (406) 544-9269. Parties can also visit their website, gfwcbitterrootwomansclub.com.