Service Projects & Events
Meeting Local Literacy Needs
Literacy is a primary focus of Altrusa, and we strive to get books into the hands of as many Delta County residents as we can! We do this in a variety of ways:
-
Baby's First Books: We provide new books for babies born at Delta Health
-
Trick or Treat for Reading!: During Delta's annual Trick or Treat Main Street event, Altrusans distribute books in both English and in Spanish, for all ages trick-or-treating
-
Large print books are regularly distributed at local care facilities and nursing homes
-
Children's books and coloring books are regularly distributed to local doctors and dentists offices for use in their waiting rooms
-
Each attendee at the Mamie's Table Afternoon Tea event, geared towards middle school students, are gifted a book at the conclusion of the event
-
Books are regularly distributed to the local unhoused shelter, food pantry, women's resource centers, doctors and dentists office waiting rooms and other community organizations for use by their adult clients
-
Regular financial support for Delta County Public Library District and its GED testing program and Summer Reading Program
Each spring, to coincide with Earth Day in April, Altrusa International of Delta partners with the Delta Rotary Club in a reduced-cost E-Waste Recycling Day. Colorado law prohibits the disposal of electronic waste in landfills, so Altrusans and Rotarians band together to provide the community an opportunity to recycle their unwanted electronic items. We partner with Alpine Bank and Bruinhood Waste to offer the reduced-fee event. In the 10+ years the Clubs have been providing this service, we have kept over 125,000 pounds of electronics out of the landfill!
Supporting Education & Professional Development
Each year, Altrusa International of Delta commits funds to support the educational and workforce goals of Delta County residents. Annually, we provide:
-
$1,000 scholarships to adults who have been out of high school for at least three years, and who are attending a certification program or an institution of higher education
-
$500 grants to employees seeking professional development, upskilling or reskilling
-
Scholarships for graduating high school seniors
Other Ways We Help Our Community
-
Grants to community organizations or special projects, such as Delta County School District, Thunder Mountain Players, Families Plus, Delta High School Girls Tennis, Delta County Child Protective Services, Delta Police Department's Victim's Advocate Program and countless others over the years
-
Distribute We Care Bags, filled with emergency toiletries to area crisis centers, unhoused shelters, the Delta Food Pantry, and other agencies assisting displaced persons
-
Participation in the City of Delta's annual Christmas at the Fort event by providing hot apple cider, cookies and goodie bags for the kids
-
Financial support for Days for Girls, which is Altrusa International’s chosen Service Project. This is a global organization whose mission is to advance menstrual equity, health, dignity, and opportunity for all. They transform periods into pathways for girls in impoverished countries.
Events & Fundraisers
-
Mamie's Table High Tea: Named after Altrusa's founder, Mamie L. Bass, this is an event geared towards middle school aged students and is an afternoon teaching traditional etiquette and table manners alongside an afternoon tea service, including traditional scones with clotted cream, finger sandwiches and sweet treats. This event is free to the students with a nominal charge for their adult chaperones.
-
Our signature fundraiser is the annual Sugar Plum Festival & Little Side Street Market, taking place every October to kick off the holiday season. The event showcases over 50 beautifully decorated tables, decorated around the theme of a book. Friday night offers a chance to view the tables, shop from amazing vendors, and enjoy live music, delicious appetizers, desserts and a cash bar. Saturday's festivities include a luncheon and fashion show. All books from the tables are used in our various literacy projects and funds raised from this event support the may scholarships, grants and professional development grants we award each year.
SAVE THE DATE!
Sugar Plum 2025
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 24-25
