Dana Point Women’s Club Book Drive Benefits Palisades Elementary

Dana Point Women’s Club members were welcomed "back to school” at the Club’s first general meeting of its fiscal year last Thursday, September 7th at its Community House venue located in Dana Point’s Lantern District. Over 50 women brought donations of library books for the Club’s back to school book drive benefiting Palisades Elementary , along with almost 250 pounds of peanut butter and jam, donated to Family Assistance Ministries.

Opening comments included a warm thank you from Community House Chair, Jody Hughes to Lori Rosskopf of Rosskopf Design Studio who generously donated labor to install the Club’s beautiful new plank flooring.

After lunch, members heard from Rebecca Bailey, Principal of Palisades Elementary School. Ms. Bailey updated the group on the wonderful progress being made in education and student well being at the Capistrano Beach school. She encouraged members to consider volunteer opportunities at the school, assisting children in reading or art groups, the school gardens or STEAM labs. Those interested in volunteering are invited to visit the volunteer page on the Capistrano Unified School District website.

She warmly thanked DPWC members for the donation of an estimated 200 books for the school library (between those contributed by both DPWC members and the general public). In addition to thanks from Principal Bailey, School Library Volunteer, Lindsay Waggoner sent a note thanking the Women’s Club: “Our students are going to have a wonderful start to the school year with so many amazing new books! Our library is really growing and it’s so exciting!”

The group also enjoyed an engaging presentation by Laura Casellas, President and Sharon Miller, Dana Point Center Director, representing the South Coast Literacy Council. Club President, Kathy Belanger presented a donation for materials to the Literary Council, saying, “DPWC’s Project Literacy efforts are typically focused on children. This year, it was interesting to also hear from a group representing dedicated volunteers who offer free classes to support adults in their efforts to learn English and adapt to our American culture.”

Please Email Dana Point Women’s Club to inquire about membership. For meeting and event rentals, contact Community House via email or call (949) 284-6415.