QI of Bakersfield, California, created fleece blankets as Christmas gifts for boys and girls who live under court protection. Program director Colleen McGauley says the blankets comfort the kids "on a level that can have a positive effect on them emotionally." Club volunteers enjoy hands-on service. "It gives you a good feeling when you give back," explains past club president Audra Miller. "This effort has our love in it."

QI of Cupertino, California, home to Quota's International President Nicôl Lea, sponsors 25 disadvantaged kids for a Christmas Shopping Program. The kids receive an envelope of money to use on themselves on an excursion to a J.C. Penney store.

QI of Santa Fe, New Mexico, brings joy to psychiatric patients at a local medical center each Christmas and Easter. Club members bake 50 plates of cookies from scratch and package dental hygiene products and socks for a group of adults and young people with "no family that concerns themselves with them," says past club president Susi Perry. At Easter, club volunteers prepare 50 baskets. "We know this gesture makes a huge difference to them as well as to the staff that takes care of them," says Susi.

QI of East Memphis, Tennessee, assists the local Salvation Army with their Angel Tree, decorated with ornaments that list specific material needs for people in the community. Donors buy needed items and return them wrapped and labeled for the Salvation Army to distribute for Christmas.

QI of Charlotte, North Carolina, also helps the Salvation Army by stuffing 75 Christmas stockings for their annual distribution to needy kids.

QI of Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota, sponsors a signing Santa in a local shopping mall. Santa himself is hearing-impaired and fully understands the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing kids who want to share their holiday dreams.

QI of Lancaster, Ohio, invites mothers from a local shelter to choose gifts for their children from a selection of unwrapped toys the club provides. They also adopt one family each Christmas from the Maywood Mission, providing food, toys, and clothes for everyone. Throughout the year, the club addresses needs identified by both of these organizations that help homeless people.

QI of Lake County, Ohio, sponsors at least three needy families each Christmas, providing food and gifts for the celebration.

QI of Shreveport, Louisiana, donates clothes and toys for students at a local school each Christmas. "The children are so appreciative!" says past club president Gwen Hughes.

QI of Bossier City, Louisiana, uses the holiday season to conduct a major fundraiser—the Christmas on the East Bank Tour of Homes. Homes decorated in holiday splendor attract enormous crowds and raise over U.S.$6,500 for club service.

QI of Marysville, California, holds an annual Holiday Craft Fair in late November, when they begin selling tickets for a Christmas raffle, featuring donated prizes. The grand prize is a bicycle, donated by Toys R Us. Other prizes include holiday decorations, restaurant vouchers, clothing and gift items from local stores, and movie passes. Club members deliver all of the prizes. Profits from these fund-raisers help the club adopt a family for Christmas, providing a tree, a fabulous dinner, and gifts for everyone.

QI of Paradise, California, sells Sees Candy throughout the holidays, generating more than U.S.$5,000. The major fund-raiser sets the tone in February, when the club holds a "chocolate and champagne" recruiting event. "We have no trouble deciding where to get the candy!" adds club member Audrey Aquisito.

Meanwhile, QI of West Memphis, Arkansas, uses the club Christmas party as a major recruitment event. With members and guests in holiday finery nibbling delectable noshes and singing festive carols, who wouldn't want to join Quota International?

And QI of Rome, Georgia, remembers residents of the Georgia School for the Deaf on holidays—Christmas presents, Easter baskets, and Halloween candy. Past club president Ethel Williams says the service projects keep members aware of the true meaning of sharing and help them make a difference in the lives of these children, who live away from their homes.

Back to We Share Foundation e-zine Cover>>>

More Feature Stories>>>

e-zine Articles by Category>>>