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Soroptimist International donates school supplies
School supplies were donated to the children seeking shelter at Karidat’s Guma Esperansa by Soroptimist International of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Soroptimist International-Northern Mariana Islands through the Soroptimist International Marianas donated school supplies to Karidat’s Guma Esperansa. Another group, Soroptimist International Guam also donated a $500 check to SI-NMI. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)
Notebooks, pens, bags, as well as gift certificates for shoes among others were handed to the group by SI-NMI president Jill Arenovski.
“This is a fabulous donation and we’ll make the kids happy,” Karidat executive director Lauri Ogumoro said.
“It’s special because every school year we want to have something new right? It’s nice for the kids. And the shoe gift certificates, those are big hits because we can give it to the moms and the moms take their kids and its really like from the moms so it’s really special,” she added.
According to Arenovski, the donation was made possible through the $500 fund given to them by Soroptimist International of the Marianas—which is the sponsor club of SI-NMI
SIM president Wayne Santos was also present during the turnover.
“When the typhoon happened, I called Jill and said ‘how can we assist?’” Santos said, “Definitely we were helping needy children. That’s our most important concern.”
Santos also handed over to SI-NMI another $500 check donated by another group, Soroptimist International Guam.
“The club will vote on how to appropriate that money whether it goes to the shelter or some other cause, but 80 percent of the funds that SI-NMI receives goes directly to the programs,” Arenovski said.
Arenovski also announced the opening of their signature project, Live Your Dream award, which gives $1,000 to a woman attending college who is the primary financial support for her family.
Applicants must submit their applications along with two reference forms to soroptimistnmi@gmail.com before Sept. 30.
The fund awarded to the recipient may use it for any purpose she chooses.
“She can use it for child care so she can attend class and study, or to purchase transportation to class, or to buy food for her family. It’s her choice,” Arenovski said.
The award celebration will be held on Oct. 17 at Kanoa Resort’s Seaside Hall.
