Altrusa International, Inc. of Garland, Texas

Volunteers have weekly story time with Kindergarten and 1st grade students in Daugherty, Heather Glen, and Northlake Elementary Schools. While students in the 2nd through 5th grades participate in the Heifer International, Read-to-Feed program. The children read 22,864 books and earned $3,500 in funds from Garland Altrusa Club to purchase animals and birds to send to poor families in third world countries. In past years, the students sent llama, goats, pigs, rabbit trios, water buffalo, sheep, flocks of chickens, and flocks of ducks. We also hold book fairs at each school where the children choose a book to keep and are served refreshments.

Under-performing or "at risk" students in Daugherty and Heather Glen Elementary Schools are tutored one-on-one in reading and math to prepare them for the state mandated TAKS testing. Almost 100% of the students participating in this program pass the TAKS test as well as gaining increased confidence and skills to be more successful in future testing.

1050 books collected and donated to the children to take home and keep and read. These books are presented at the Annual Book Fairs held at the school each Spring.

More than 264 pounds of CD's, books, snacks, and personal items were shipped to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past year. 100% of the Garland Altrusa membership participated in this project, volunteering 48 hours of service.

For our Make A Difference Day project, Altrusa of Garland hosts a day long event at Heather Glen Elementary for 5th grade girls and their mothers.  Presenters from Garland ISD, Garland PD, Raytheon, Beauty Control, and Altrusa presented seminars on various topics, including Making Right Choices, Women on the Move, Building Your Daughters Self Esteem, and Where You Come From Does Not Determine Where You Go.  Lunch and gift bags are included and the event was attended by 40 students and 23 mothers.  It was a huge success and plans are already under way for next year.

Relay for Life American Cancer Walk, raising over $2,000 in donations

Member of the Garland Federation of Clubs, working to raise funds for annual scholarships presented to graduating seniors in Garland ISD. $5,700 in scholarships were given.