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Soroptimist donates supplies to women’s shelter
The Soroptimist International Northern Mariana Islands donated bundles of school supplies and Payless Shoe Source gift certificates to the children of the women’s shelter on Aug. 28, 2014, with Sr. Stella Mangona and Lauri Ogumoro of Guma Esperansa receiving the donations.
Soroptimist club’s mission is to empower women and children through education and helping the women in the local shelter is one of the club’s main projects. The school supplies were the first of other donations the club will be giving this year.
“It’s a strong memory from my childhood, that first day of school. And my first days were always with a pair of new shoes and new school supplies. It’s hard to think that some children do not enjoy that basic happiness,” one Soroptomist member said.
According to the club, some donations came from many women on the island who support the club. One non-member donated four brand new backpacks, each filled with supplies. Other donations included rulers, notebooks, pens, binders, scissors, backpacks, pencils, hand sanitizers, pencil cases, and other school items.
According to Soroptimist president Jill Arenovski, they have other projects for the shelter.
“While the club is small and the budget is still tight, each project is aimed to provide maximum impact and to let those at the shelter know that there are people on island who care about them,” Arenovski said.
One Soroptimist member, Sarah Fryling, donated cake pops for several birthdays at the shelter.
Next month, the club is scheduled to award their “Live Your Dream” award of $1,000 to one inspirational woman who is pursuing her college education. The award is the signature project of Soroptimist Clubs worldwide.
For more information on Soroptimist Int. of Northern Mariana Islands club, email sinorthermarianaislands@soroptimist.net or visit their Facebook page at SI-Northern Mariana Islands.
