Our current service project benefits the Elanco Library Children's Programs. The club purchased an 18” bank in the shape of a dog, named him "Rover", made a sign for him and gave him an ID tag. He was then donated to the library. Rover is roving all over New Holland and surrounding communities, helping to collect money to fund the children’s programs at the Library. The library programs include several storytimes for different ages, special visitors (characters and authors), family movie nights, summer reading program, family game/reading nights and parenting programs. These library programs are all free to the public, but the Library needs help to bring these wonderful programs to the children and their families. Club members made the sign for Rover and contacted local businesses and asked them to doggy-sit Rover for a period of 2 weeks. Fliers were distributed and, so far, 17 local businesses have volunteered to host the bank. We have a goal of 26 businesses that we hope to meet by the end of this year. A schedule has been completed for the next 6 months and Rover has been sent on his way to collect for the library. Click here to find out more!

For the second year Historic Poole Forge Park held a Christmas Tree display to help raise funds for maintaining the park. The park relies on service clubs, businesses, and other organizations to provide decorated trees and displays for this fundraiser. Visitors are charged admission to see all of the trees and the money is used for various park improvements. We decided that we could help out by decorating a tree for the display since we certainly enjoy their playground. The moms and kids had a lot of fun making the decorations and decorating the tree. Our tree featured popcorn/cranberry garland, candy dot chains, pretzel wreaths, gingerbread boys and girls and other hand-made decorations. Our display included a long scrolling letter to Santa alongside a plate of cookies, stockings waiting to be filled, presents and a train under the tree. The tree was topped with a Santa hat bearing the MOMS Club logo. Our thanks to Lowe's of Morgantown for donating the tree that we decorated.

We completed two service projects for 2006-2007. Our chapter assisted at the Open House for the newly planned New Holland Recreational Center (June 23rd) by manning the prize booth for the children's games. Also, our chapter provided publicity and volunteer support for the Angelina Foundation 1st Annual Walk & Family Fun Day on May 19th. Our members hung fliers; entered info into website calendars; contacted radio stations, television stations, newspapers, and other organizations about publicizing the event; entered info into website calendars; contacted local businesses and churches about listing our event on LED signs; and obtained donations in support of the walk from various corporations. Members also beaded bracelets that were sold to support the Angelina Foundation and volunteered at the walk. This event raised over $8000.

The Angelina Foundation benefits the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Metabolic Disease Research Department. The Angelina Foundation was started by one of our former members after her family's experience with a metabolic disease.

Service projects for 2005-2006 included contributing money to the Mother to Mother (M2M) fund to help Hurricane Katrina victims and a donation of a minivan full of clothing, toys, and babycare items to Corner of Hope Clothing Bank. In summer 2006 we made 45 blankets for Project Linus. Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, homemade blankets. Three of our blankets were red, white, and blue and were sent to the TAPS memorial service in Washington, DC to be given to children who have had a parent killed in military operations in the war in Iraq. The other 42 blankets were distributed to various local hospitals, women's shelters and a children's home. Blankets were also given to individuals upon request such as hurricane Katrina victims who relocated to Lancaster County. The picture at the right shows the blankets we made.

The service project for 2004-2005 was for Sierra's Bears, an organization that benefits mothers who have lost their babies at birth by providing teddy bears so they have something to take home with them from the hospital. Lancaster Women & Babies Hospital is a participant in the Sierra's Bears program and was the recipient in June 2005 of 20 teddy bears collected by the MOMS Club of Garden Spot. We were able to replenish their inventory, which had dwindled to zero.

What a great feeling to be able to give back to other mothers and children in our community!