Members presented Virginia Kirkpatrick of Operation Blessing with 37 quilts to be distributed from her organization.
WOOD RIVER — In a small town in the Midwest, often working under the radar and behind the scenes, a dedicated group of women has been making a difference for nearly 100 years.
On Sept. 8, the Wood River Women’s Club will celebrate the beginning of its 99th year during a meeting with members.
Susan Broadway says many may not realize the scope of the organization’s community involvement.
“Many of our members are active volunteers with other community or city committees, and that helps us coordinate our efforts within the community,” Broadway said. “We even designated a new position of ‘liaison’ for Helen Crause to work directly with the city of Wood River.”
“The Wood River Women’s Club was started by Mrs. Anna Manning, who hosted the first meeting in her home in March of 1916,” Crause said. “Mrs. Manning and 14 other ladies were instrumental in starting the library and beautifying the village with flowers and trees. Today, the 35 current members continue to support the library as well as other community organizations.”
This past year, 36 quilts were made and donated to Operation Blessing, a $1,000 check was given to the East Alton Boys and Girls Club location, and the group hosted the Ice Cream Social for the community of Wood River. Scholarships also are given annually to East Alton-Wood River, Civic Memorial and Roxana high schools as well as Lewis and Clark Community College, and trivia nights are held to raise money for other local organizations.
For information on the Wood River Women’s Club, including how to join, email sbroadway.1946@gmail.com.