Altrusa in Action: From Dinner Service to Libraries and Halloween Fun
Altrusa of Tucson members have been busy this fall, with recent projects ranging from preparing dinner for women at Sister José Women’s Center to continued work in school libraries and a little Halloween fun with students at Tully Elementary.
On October 25, Altrusans gathered at Sister José Women’s Center to prepare and serve dinner, but the evening came with an unexpected challenge. The original menu called for meatloaf, until the group arrived and discovered the oven was broken.
Rather than scrap the meal, they quickly changed plans and turned the meatloaf mixture into meatballs that could be cooked on the stovetop. That meant Elda Lopez and Gwen Gallegos, who also serves on the shelter’s board, spent hours at the stove cooking the meat while other members prepared the mashed potatoes, vegetables and plates for dinner.
It wasn’t quite the meal they had planned, but it was a good example of Altrusa problem-solving in action: adjust, keep moving and make sure dinner still gets served.
A few days later, the focus was back on literacy.
At Kellond Elementary, Altrusa’s work in the library continues well beyond the initial transformation of the space. Elsa Nelson and Susan Young spent time alphabetizing sections of the collection, while Elaine Wilder worked her way through the classics, making it easier for students to find the books they’re looking for.
The library is also very much in use. On October 30, Susan spent time with Kellond preschoolers, continuing the kind of direct interaction with young readers that makes the library more than shelves and books. It has become a place where children can explore stories, choose books and begin building the reading habits Altrusa has worked so hard to encourage.
Meanwhile, at Tully Elementary, Halloween brought a different kind of literacy activity. Students joined Altrusa members for Halloween Reading Bingo, combining reading with a little seasonal fun. Margaret Watson also led a craft activity, giving the students another way to participate, create and enjoy the afternoon together.
These projects may look very different from one another, but they share something important: Altrusa members showing up where they’re needed. Sometimes that means preparing a hot dinner. Sometimes it means sitting on the floor alphabetizing books. And sometimes it means spending an afternoon playing reading bingo with a roomful of excited kids.
It’s all part of the same commitment to service, literacy and community that keeps Altrusa of Tucson moving from one project to the next.