Mission of Hope
The Mission of Hope “Soup and Cracker” Community Service Project was conducted the month of January and Ossoli Circle members brought in 154 cans of soup and 42 boxes of crackers. These were delivered to the Mission of Hope to assist with extending a helping hand to those Appalachian individuals who are in need. Thank you to Sharon White for her leadership and to all who helped make this drive a success.
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Children Services
Tennessee Department of Children’s Services joins child welfare professionals across the U.S. in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue pinwheel represents the great childhood every child deserves. GFWC Ossoli Circle members along with clubhouse neighbors from ReMax admire the blue pinwheels place in the shape of a heart on the lawn.
Sharing Shop
Sharing shop at Church Street UMC: The downtown Knoxville UMC Sharing Shop serves the homeless, the elderly who are on a limited income, and individuals who live in government subsidized housing. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, household items, clothing, backpacks, and school supplies are examples of the items donated during the 2024 year. A few of the Circle members diligently collect and record the types of donations, along with their “dollar value”, that are from GFWC Ossoli Circle. Salvation Army Guide is utilized to determine the in-kind value. (Active members: 4, Volunteer Hours: 136, In kind: $1,616)
Young-Williams Animal Shelter
Young-Williams Animal Shelter Support: This no-kill animal shelter in Knoxville works tirelessly to find homes for animals. This year began with an active shelter volunteer presenting the current needs of the shelter and requesting help. The GFWC Ossoli ladies enthusiastically responded. They began gathering and donating a number of the requested items. By the end of April, 102 towel/washcloths/hand-towels, 7 paper-towel rolls, 7 pet bowls, 32 treats, Vienna sausages, canned food or Peanut Butter, 21 leashes, collars, or toys, 2 dog beds, 24 blankets, comforters, bedspreads or throws, 35 sheets and pillowcases, 7 dog sweaters, 2 Post-it packages, 2 brushes and 2 Shampoos were donated to the shelter. (Active Members: 25, Volunteer hours: 30, Dollars Donated: $500, Dollars-in-kind: $925)
Great Smoky Mtn. National Park
Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) Conservation and Support: GFWC Ossoli Circle Members engage in various activities at the GSMNP to help preserve and keep the Smoky Mountains clean and beautiful. These various Friends of the Smokies projects range from educational outreach/presentation programs, to a botanist cataloging plant species. GFWC Ossoli Circle members volunteer as: a teacher for visitors to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, a presenter for the Wilderness Wildlife Week and a Leader for the Wildflower Pilgrimage. Another activity that is supported is the Plein Air in the Smokies’ Gala Event (set-up, pricing of paintings and performing the Art Ambassador function). Another member is involved in managing GSMNP visitors in “bear jams”, helping with traffic, working Sugarland’s desk, and anything that needs done. In addition, several Friends of the Smokies license plates were purchased (not counted in numbers). (Active Members: 7, Volunteer Hours: 1,685, Dollars Donated: $1000, In-kind $180)
2022 Ivan Racheff House and Gardens Support: Ivan Racheff House and Gardens is on the National Register of Historic places. Built in 1902, it was used as an office and apartment by Knoxville Ironwork’s President Ivan Racheff. It is now the headquarters of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs. It is a project that GFWC Ossoli Circle continues to support. This year club members planned, hosted and/or worked on various maintenance, fundraisers and educational events. In addition, clubwomen hold leadership positions on the Racheff Board of Governors. (Active Members: 7, Volunteer Hours: 400, In-kind: $370)
Random Acts of Flowers: Random Acts of Flowers mission is to improve the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness. Volunteering at Random Acts of Flowers of Knoxville helps spread joy and allows people to nurture a culture of compassion and care.
GFWC Ossoli members have been involved by gathering and donating vases, inviting them to a fundraiser at the clubhouse for awareness and a GFWC Ossoli Circle clubwoman is on their executive board. (Active Members: 5, Volunteer Hours: 150, Dollars Donated: $3,025; In-kind: $220)
