As our year is winding down, it is a great time to take a look at the projects and programs that support children both internationally and at home.  Many of these are done in coordination with GFWC International.  GFWC Ossoli Circle is an affiliate member of GFWC International. Volunteers shared  information about some GFWC Affiliate Partners and other non-profit organizations that serve children. Members were asked to bring a small donation and they had an opportunity at the conclusion of the program to choose from three different projects to make a donation. All were asked  to take a bag to support Child Abuse and to plant a small pinwheel garden in their yard. 

• UNICEF
Have you ever gone Trick or Treating? Have you ever gone Trick or Treating for UNICEF?
If you put coins into Ossoli’s jack-o-lanterns close to Halloween, you have!
UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund. It is dedicated to ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable children have access to health, immunizations, clean water, good nutrition, education, and emergency and disaster relief. Today 10 million children are victims of modern slavery! In 2024 we donated nickels, dimes, and quarters to UNICEF  in this jack-o-lantern! We made a difference for UNICEF and the world’s children.
•Heifer International
Heifer International is a GFWC Affiliate Organization that Ossoli supports. Heifer provides “seed” investments to farmers, ranchers, and women business owners and mentors them to build on their investments. Recipients continue the gift by donating offspring to others in their community.  GFWC Ossoli Circle members purchased Christmas donation cards from Heifer. Six copies of Beatrice’s Goat, a book about a girl receiving a goat from Heifer, were sold.  With these purchases GFWC Ossoli Circle members purchased a Heifer, HoneyBees and a Flock of Chicks. Members turned in their Heifer boxes filled with coins collected during 2024. Two hundred and fifty dollars of these coins will send a girl to school for a yearthrough this Heifer donation.
• Operation Smile
Operation Smile is a GFWC Non-Profit Affiliate Organization that Ossolisupports. Their surgical teams provide free cleft lip and cleft palate in 36 countries around the world. Every one in 1000 births may have this problem; the infant often cannot eat, drink, or smile and developmentally they may struggle with nutrition and acceptance in their community. GFWC Ossoli Circle sent 30 Smile Bags and the supplies with a generous donation from Ossoli in Action. Members completed the Smile Bags at the meeting in February. These bags and coloring books, crayons, combs, shampoos, small stuffed animals, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and bar soap will be included in the bags and given to each child after surgery. More
• ETCH
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s Fantasy of Trees is a premier fundraising event for our wonderful hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The event takes place over Thanksgiving weekend.  Each year funds raised go to purchase much needed equipment and supplies providing excellent care to the children of East Tennessee.  Six GFWC Ossoli Circle members worked during the event at the Knoxville Convention Center. They spent over 73 hours setting up and tearing down the main Focal Scene, Central Bark, at the entrance to the venue. MORE
• St. Jude
We all know that Danny Thomas founded St. Jude, and the goal is the eradication of childhood cancer. Treatments invented at St. Jude have pushed the childhood cancer survival rate from 20 to 80 percent in the past 50 years. In the past Ossoli members made mask straps that replace the elastic strap with a flannel or fleece material that are much more comfortable and can be made in child-friendly colors and designs. In 2024 Ossoli members donated to St. Jude. Today we will have the opportunity to focus on children as they wait to visit the doctor. We can make a difference in the life of a child and their concerned and anxious parents.
• March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a GFWC non-profit Affiliate Organization. They work to improve the health of babies and their mothers. The organization’s mission is to end preventable infant and maternal deaths, and to close health equity gaps. They partner with over 70 hospitals and NICUs to improve the patient experience. Members have an opportunity to do a project for the March of Dimes, a NICU Personal Care Kit. These kits are for parents whose babies were born too soon, or unexpectedly and can make a huge impact on the well-being of parents during one of the most uncertain times in a parent’s life.
•Shot@Life
Shot@Life: Shot@Life is a GFWC Affiliate Organization. They advocate to ensure strong U.S. government investment in global immunization programs and produce results giving more of the world’s people access to lifesaving vaccines. They give more children a shot at life! Shot@Life Champions are individuals who are dedicating their voice, time, and support to stand up for children in developing countries. Shot@Life provides training and ongoing support to prepare volunteers to effectively advocate for equitable vaccine access around the world. We have several Ossoli members who are Shot@Life Champions. Members have an opportunity to be a Shot@Life volunteer by choosing to take and send a letter to members of the U.S. Congressional delegation from Tennessee, Tim Burchett, Marsha Blackburn, or Bill Hagerty. This letter urges them to support the World Health Organization initiatives in 194 countries worldwide by providing lifesaving vaccines to children and adults giving everyone a Shot@Life!

In addition, Ossoli Circle has set up a fundraising campaign in support of the GFWC Measles Mission.  The Mission has a goal of raising $40,000—enough to protect 8,000 kids—in time for  June GFWC International Convention.  
As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the U.S. with at least 2 in Tennessee.  The numbers are growing daily.

• Childhelp
Childhelp is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse. They strive to meet all the needs of neglected, abandoned, and at-risk children. GFWC Ossoli Circle can make a difference. We have supported them with toys for their closet, t-shirts of kindness given to children, and the “Pinwheels for Prevention”during Child Abuse PreventionMonth, April. difference in our community.