Service Projects
Club 21 is now Club 52
The Altrusa International Foundation established Club 21 in 1997 to support children and 
families who are living with HIV and AIDS. The name “Club 21” signifies the commitment to eradicating a 21st-century problem. Club 21 allows its members to extend a hand of help and hope to these children and their families. Now as Club 52, (donating $1 per week =$52 per year), funds will continue the critical work of Club 21. Since its inception, this club has funded Safe Haven Camps for children with HIV/AIDS. Camp Safe Haven is free of charge to the children, and the entire staff of professionals and volunteers donate their time and service. Read more about Camp Safe Haven.
Funding from Club 52 also sponsors the Ghana Health Education Initiative in Africa, which provides HIV/AIDS education to a population that badly needs it. The Altrusa Club of Dallas Foundation had set aside $210 to become a Club 21 club, and now will set aside $520 to become a Club 52 club. Through an annual contribution of now $52, individuals (membership in Altrusa is not required) can become a part of the International Foundation’s effort to support children with HIV and AIDS. Each donor receives a special “52” pin.
Frances Maloney Person to Person Fund
The Person-to-Person project is a longstanding one in our club. Its goal is simply to meet the immediate needs of a deserving person. In the past, we have gifted cochlear implants and eyeglasses, and we have given cash donations to help other people in their time of need. We never know who will receive the money when the club year begins, but somehow a needy person always seems to cross the path of one of our soft-hearted Altrusans, who is prepared to offer this one-time gift.
Scholarships
Each year, the club awards the following scholarships named for our former members, two of which served as Altrusa International President and one for our longest surviving charter member:
Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun Scholarship for Nursing Studies – Dr. Nina Fay, a dermatologist, served as International President from 1941-45
Edith DeBusk Scholarship for Legal Studies – Edith, a lawyer, served as International President from 1963-65
Leita Marsh Scholarship for Pharmaceutical Studies – Leita, a pharmacist, was a charter member and a member for 67 years.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children treats Texas children with orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, hip disorders, clubfoot, hand disorders, and limb length discrepancies, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years
of age. TSRHC strives to improve the care of children worldwide through innovative research and teaching programs, training physicians from around the world. TSRHC holds 19 patents and discovered the first gene associated with scoliosis. The club will donate $1,000 TSRHC for the hospital’s dyslexia program. We will again decorate the Altrusa tree for the hospital’s holiday celebration.
Backpacks for the Homeless
Each year, we fill backpacks with water, socks, gloves, hats, sweaters, protein snacks, water, hygiene items, and much more. Then we deliver the backpacks to people in nearby communities.
Books for Children and Adults of all Ages
We collect new and used books and give books to organizations such as “Reading Partners,” Senior’s Pet Assistance Network” (SPAN), Little Libraries, and local schools.
Military Projects
We donate funds to assist Airborne Angel Cadets shipping costs to ship needed items to our active military men and women overseas. We also decorate the boxes that are used for shipping the items. We send words of thanks and encouragement for their service.
Holiday Bags for Seniors with Pets
Each Holiday season, we fill large holiday bags with gifts of household items, books, and useful home gadgets for low-income seniors with pets. Many seniors use what little funds they have on their pets while sacrificing their own nutritional and medical needs. We collaborate with the non-profit Senior Pet Assistance Network (SPAN), whose mission is to deliver pet food, treats, and vet care for pets of low-income seniors. For some seniors, this holiday bag will be the only gift they will receive.
2nd Meeting Projects
The club also sponsors other service projects for our community as needs arise such as a school needing supplies, or a community needing assistance. A funs is set aside each year to support those needs.