GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club: Spreading Joy Through Paint and Community Service

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club recently gathered to paint the first coat of paint on 353 toys destined for children in need. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with The ToyMakers, an organization dedicated to delivering joy and comfort to children facing difficult circumstances.

A Colorful Contribution to a Worthy Cause

The ToyMakers is a remarkable organization that provides over 20,000 toys each year to children who are hospitalized or in shelters across the Tampa Bay area. Their recipients include esteemed institutions such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), USF Children's Medical Center, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Joseph's Children’s Hospital, and various local police and fire departments. The mission of The ToyMakers is clear: to bring smiles and hope to children during challenging times.

On a bright Saturday afternoon, members of the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club rolled up their sleeves and got to work. With paintbrushes in hand and laughter filling the air, they set about transforming plain wooden toys into vibrant creations. Each stroke of paint was infused with love and the hope of brightening a child's day.

The Power of Community

The event was not just about painting toys; it was about fostering connections within the community. Members of the club came together to support a cause that resonates deeply with everyone involved. It is initiatives like these that remind us of the power of community and the impact we can have when we unite for a common goal.

Each toy painted is not just a plaything; it's a beacon of hope for a child who may be facing significant challenges. The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club has always been committed to community service, and this project is a shining example of their dedication to making a difference.

Looking Ahead

With the first coat completed, The ToyMakers will take over completing the toys with additional layers of paint and artistic designs, along with adding wheels to each toy, putting them in motion.

In closing, the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club's dedication to community service shines brightly through their help they provided The ToyMakers. While our women were helping out, they were reminded that with a little paint and a lot of heart, they can help bring joy and smiles to children in need.

Making a Difference: GFWC Pasco Juniors Impact on Great American Cleanup Day

On March 1st, the GFWC Pasco Juniors took part in the Great American Cleanup Day, a nationwide initiative aimed at beautifying communities and promoting environmental stewardship. This year, the focus was on a street across from the picturesque Land O' Lakes Heritage Park, where two dedicated members of the organization, along with their spouses, rolled up their sleeves to make a tangible difference.

A Day of Action

The sun shone brightly as the Pasco Juniors gathered for the cleanup, bringing with them not only their commitment to the environment but also a sense of camaraderie. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and an unwavering spirit, they set out to tackle the litter that had accumulated along the roadside.

The sight of the truck slowly filling up with trash was a testament to the hard work and determination of this group. They picked up everything from plastic bottles and food wrappers to larger debris, all while engaging in spirited conversations and laughter. Their spouses joined in, adding to the sense of community and shared purpose.

The Importance of Community Involvement

This event was more than just a cleanup; it was an opportunity to emphasize the importance of community involvement and environmental responsibility. The GFWC Pasco Juniors have always been advocates for promoting a cleaner, healthier environment, and their participation in the Great American Cleanup Day exemplified this commitment.

As they worked, they reflected on the impact of litter on local wildlife and the overall aesthetic of their beloved Land O' Lakes. It was a reminder that every small action counts, and that by coming together, communities can create a significant positive change.

Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism

The day concluded with a sense of accomplishment and pride. The GFWC Pasco Juniors not only filled a truckload of trash but also inspired others to think about their own roles in keeping the community clean. Their efforts serve as a model for how volunteerism can lead to meaningful change, encouraging others to get involved in local environmental initiatives.

In the spirit of celebration, the group shared stories of their experiences that day, reinforcing the bonds they had strengthened through their shared labor. They left the site not only with a cleaner street but also with hearts full of purpose and a renewed commitment to their community.

Looking Ahead

As the GFWC Pasco Juniors continue to engage in various community service projects, the success of their cleanup on Great American Cleanup Day stands as a reminder of the power of teamwork and dedication. They hope to inspire more members of the community to join in their efforts, ensuring that Land O' Lakes remains a beautiful place for all to enjoy.

Whether it's picking up trash or participating in other forms of community service, the message is clear: Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger impact. Here's to the GFWC Pasco Juniors and their inspiring work in making our world a cleaner, greener place!

School Supplies Drive for Moonlake Elementary School

 When that time of year for school supplies shopping comes around, we often think of new pencils, crayons, folders, backpacks and so much more. However, not all children learn the same, especially those that are attending as part of the ESE program at Moonlake Elementary School. The schools program almost double in capacity from the end of the 2023-2024 school to the 2024-25 school year, going from 4 classrooms to 7. These children come in all sizes and abilities and are often on the autism spectrum. Because of their various disabilities being served, the ESE director had some unique item requests this year (which often come from the teachers and staff purchasing outside of school funds). 

This year the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club was able to purchase three 36" personal size trampolines for several of the classrooms, 3 large boxes of pull ups to help with the children that are not toilet trained yet, along with smaller items like various fidget toys and noise cancelling headphones. Many of the items on their wish list were not something you see on a standard school supplies list. Along with these unique items, the club was also able to collect boxes of additional general school supplies.

 Pictured above is our GFWC Pasco Junior's President with the principle, assistant principle, and the ESE director at Moonlake Elementary school when the items were delivered in August.

Spreading Hope One Bag At A Time

At their June meeting, the GFWC Pasco Juniors pack 100 bags of essential items for the Metropolitan Ministries' Pasco BrigAIDe. This is the fourth year collecting essential items like basic hygene items, reusable food and drink containers, and snacks followed by an assembly by the volunteer group. These bags are then distributed to homeless and at risk individuals located in various areas throughout Pasco County.

Many thanks to Connerton Dental in Land O'lakes, USF Business Development Department, Lucas, Macyzen and Dyer Law Firm, and The Cleaning Pros for making donations for our blessing bags this year!

 

Find out what next volunteer activity you can be involved in by joining us at our next General Meeting held at the Land O'lakes Heritage Park Community Center on the first Tuesday of year month starting at 6:30pm. Check our Facebook page or main webpage (from a computer) for the latest date and information.

Facebook.com/gfwcpascojuniors

2024 Mother's Day Chari-Tea Fundraiser

 Once again, it was time for tea! The GFWC Pasco Juniors provided an amazing afternoon for ladies (and a gentlemen or two) to enjoy as a fundraiser for two local Girl Scout Troops in Pasco County. The fundraiser was full of smiles as yummy food was provided to enjoy and opportunity baskets were won, along with extra Girls Scout Cookies to take home. 

Join us for our next major fundraiser, Dog Days of Summer Bunco happening on August 25th at 2pm. Click Here Get your Tickets Now!

Giving A Gift Is Always A Gift

For several years now, the GFWC Pasco Juniors have been able to provide a small gift for the children at Sunrise of Pasco's shelter to give on Mother's Day. Sunrise of Pasco is our local domestic and sexual abuse shelter that provides resources and a place to stay for individuals and families that are escaping an abusive situation. They provide a temporary, safe place to stay as these women and children find their way onto the next chapter of their life.

The children in that stay with their mother's in the shelter often do not get to go shopping outside of necessities. So, the GFWC Pasco Juniors bring an activity to them. Many pieces of jewelry have been donated over the years from which the children can choose as a gift for their mom. Along with a few accessories, each child has the opportunity to make a card to share their love and appreciation through this trying time. 

Jewelry selection                 Hand Made Cards from each Child                       Volunteer helping wrap a gift

Want to find out how you can get involved in activities like this? Follow the GFWC Pasco Juniors on Facebook to find out which events and activities are coming up next.

https://www.facebook.com/GFWCPascoJuniors/

Pinwheels For Prevention Fundraiser for Family Support Services of Pasco and Pinellas

 

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. What their research showed was that people respond positively to pinwheels, which represent childlike whimsy and lightheartedness. Their vision is for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.

 Family Support Services of Pasco and Pinellas Counties have that same vision. FSS is the lead agency for foster care, adoption, and family preservation in Pasco and Pinellas Counties. When families struggle, whether financially, physically or emotionally, it’s important that they be connected to services and supporters in our community without feeling stigmatized. FSS understands and has a community of partners who are ready to help. 

 Family preservation is a community effort to provide short-term resources and services when a family is faced with challenge and crisis. FSS helps families get back on track. Families referred by the Florida Department of Children and Families receive assistance through a series of programs and case management sessions that help keep children at home and avoid foster care. They do everything possible to keep a child at home, but when separation is necessary, they help ensure that it’s a temporary solution, eventually leading back to family reunification when it’s in the best interest of the child. 

You can support this local organization and its Community Partners through the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club’s 2024 Pinwheels for Prevention Fundraiser for Prevent Child Abuse, Florida. The Pasco Juniors will be “planting” a pinwheel garden in Wesley Chapel to raise awareness of Child Abuse Awareness Month (April). 

Help Our Garden Grow
Proceeds from every donation help support FSS and their community Partners to provide care for children and teens in need. Sponsor additional pinwheels to be “planted” in the garden with a shout out on our Facebook Community Page as an individual, family, or business. 

Donate Now

 Know that your donation makes a difference in a local child’s life.

Keeping Pasco Beautiful

 March 2nd was designated as the Great American Clean Up Day for 2024. Across the nation, groups of individuals gathered in local parks, community area, and along roadways to pick up litter and dispose of it properly. With supporting the efforts of Keep Pasco Beautiful, the GFWC Pasco Juniors had several members join a group that cleaned up along Collier Parkway in Land O'lakes and Lutz. 

With our help, our streets and parking lots are a little cleaner and the planet is a little happier. 

Find out how you can give back by joining the next activity of the Pasco Juniors by visiting their Facebook Page.

Record Breaking Clothing Swap To Start The New Year

This year’s first clothing swap was held at the Land O’Lakes library, and was a major success! With heavier foot traffic and public awareness of the free clothing exchange, the club collected well over a thousand pieces of clothing. A majority of the items were donated to Sunrise of Pasco, our local domestic abuse shelter and resource center. Volunteers from a local Faith in Action team collected many of the men’s clothing items and blankets for the local homeless individuals in Pasco. And, one of our members collected several formal wear items that will be donated to the Cinderella and Prince Charming Project of Pasco.

Our efforts were reported in the Tampa Beacon Newspaper. Check It Out!

The next clothing swap will be held at the Land O’Lakes Library sometime in late spring. Follow our Facebook page for dates to come!

Faceboook.com/GFWCPascojuniors

New Year, New Project

Arts and Culture have always been a main pillar of the General Federation Of Women’s Clubs. The Pasco Juniors decided to participate in an international project that has really excelled since 2020. 

Mural Mosaics offers the opportunity to make something unique and be part of the “bigger picture”. The magnificently enormous murals are painted by individual across the nation, and then digitally, precisely placed into a final installment that is on permanent display. Its concept has flourished outside of its original Canadian roots, and become an international project, bring people from all walks of life together in one beautiful piece of artwork.

 

The members of the Pasco Juniors got together to enjoy each other's company and get creative with their chosen color scheme canvases. Members of all skill levels participated and will be part of a national display. The project was shared with other woman’s clubs in our district to encourage additional participation in this ongoing program.

Find out more about this Mural Mosaic Project Here.

Breakfast With Santa For A Great Cause

 
The Pasco Juniors had a great end to 2023. With a successful Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser, the club was able to sponsor 4 children I need from a local title 1 school along with several additional angels chosen from individual members. In addition, the club was able to make a $300 donation to the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation which supports Wesley Chapel High School graduating seniors with scholarships.

This year’s Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser was featured in the Lutz Laker Newspaper. Check it out!

2023 National Day of Service with Helping Hands Food Pantry

Before 2020, the Helping Hands Food Pantry of Wesley Chapel was serving about 50 families per week with donations of food and essentials. Once COVID-19 took full effect, the pantry went to providing bags of food for over 500 families weekly. Three years later, the need continues to grow with no sight of a diminishing line of families in need in our near future. 

The GFWC Pasco Juniors used the opportunity of September 30th, our GFWC National Day of Service, to assist with collecting nonperishable foods for the local pantry. In the four hours on a Saturday afternoon, our ladies assisted volunteers with collecting and organizing over 1,400 pounds of food. 

If you know someone in need in the Wesley Chapel Area, distributions are made on Wednesday Mornings located at 29617 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. 

Find out more about the Helping Hands Pantry of Wesley Chapel online Here.

Bunco To The Rescue

 This year's Dog Days of Summer Bunco Fundraiser was another raving success. With 44 players, the GFWC Pasco Juniors provided a fun filled afternoon for community members. In addition to ticket sales, opportunity baskets were donated by local businesses and community members for additional donations. This year's proceeds are benefitting Love to the Rescue and Planned Pethood of Zephyrhills. 

Love to the Rescue is a local nonprofit on a mission to bring dogs from the animal services shelter into their own foster homes. This personalized attention allows the animal to be observed and placed with a truly fur-ever home when ready for adoption. Click on their logo above to see who in their care needs adopting.

Planned Pethood offers affordable veterinarian services in Pasco County. At their Zephyrhills location, Pasco Animal Services and residents can bring in a trapped, stray feline to be vaccinated, neutered, and prepared to be released back to its home. This program is at a minimal cost and greatly reduces the population of cats in Pasco County. Click on their logo above to find out more about their services.

Make sure to follow the GFWC Pasco Juniors on Facebook for next year's Bunco fundraiser and other upcoming events!

A Small Blessing In Every Bag

At their June General Meeting, The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club members gathered to get an update from Leona Wells about the services provided by Metropolitan Ministries. Starting from a collaboration of 13 churches in the Tampa, Florida, Metro Min has grown larger every year in the number of families assisted and volunteer hours provided. After 51 years, they now have 3 different outreach centers locations in the area; Dade City, Holiday, and Downtown Tampa. According to United Way, 56% of people in Pasco County are asset limited/income constrained, meaning they are employed people who are still at risk of becoming homeless. 

Metro Min's outreach centers provide guidance and services to public resources in the area to connect these individuals or families with support that can assist with their need. In addition to the outreach centers, the 2 of their campuses also house 300 families every night that are under their care for midterm shelter. Their program averages a 6-8 month stay while undergoing counseling and educational programs to transition these families out of homelessness and into a stable living situation with an 89% success rate.

Another program that Metro Min provides in the area is their Pasco Metro BrigAIDe. This mobile unit provides support to the homeless that are in Pasco County and not currently in a midterm shelter. The GFWC Pasco Juniors assembled 100 blessing bags filled with essentials for the Metro BrigAIDe. In an assembly line style, the members grabbed a reusable bag and started to fill it with hygiene essentials, snacks, and reusable food utensils. These bags will be distributed throughout Pasco County to give a little "blessing" to each who receives one.

A Huge Thank You to all who donated items for our 100 Blessing Bags!

The Cleaning Pros

Lucas, Macyszyn, and Dyer Law Firm

Florida Department of Health

Connerton Dental Care

GFWC Blue Umbrella Club

Morningstar Storage in Wesley Chapel

Chari-Tea Fundraiser For The LYN Fund

 A few weeks ago, the GFWC Pasco Juniors hosted their second annual Mother's Day Chari-Tea Fundraiser. The ladies enjoyed a proper tea with food and additional winnings all around. This year's fundraiser benefited The LYN Fund which provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to anyone undergoing treatment for a woman related cancer in Pinellas or Pasco County. 

The GFWC Pasco Juniors will be able to make a donation of over $1,000 in June.
Thank you for joining us!

A big thank you to our sponsors:
Costco of Lutz
Texas Roadhouse of Wesley Chapel
Elizabeth Schoppman with Hibiscus and Palms
Beth Reed with 31 Gifts

For more information about The LYN Fund, please visit TheLYNFund.org