In keeping with its motto of "Working together for a better community," the Honey Brook Women's Club recently distributed donations to local community service organizations.

During a meeting held on May 10 at Honey Brook Presbyterian Church, $100 gifts were presented to the Honey Brook Community Library, represented by library director Jennifer Spade; Steeple to People Ministries of Honey Brook, represented by Ivan and Anna Stoltzfus; the Honey Brook Food Pantry, represented by food pantry volunteers Becky Zeeger and Bridget Lillis; the Honey Brook Fire Company, represented by fire chief Steven Kern; and Elverson-Honey Brook Area EMS represented by battalion chief Matthew Welch. Kyle Esh from the Honey Brook Youth Center was unable to attend the meeting, so Ivan accepted the check on his behalf.

After the check presentation, each of the recipients was given an opportunity to speak about his or her nonprofits, including the impact of the organization in the community.

The club holds the check presentation ceremony annually. "We raise the money to give back to the community by fundraising," explained club treasurer Cheryl Davidson. "On Harmony Day (last September), we sold chicken and hot dogs, and in November, we did a meat (giveaway)."

She noted that the club's largest fundraiser is an annual tea held at the church. "We sell tickets for the tea, and we sell tickets for gift baskets that have been donated from organizations within Honey Brook," said Davidson. "Members provide the tea, the scones, the sandwiches and the desserts." This year's tea was held on April 30 and featured a Kentucky Derby theme.

In addition to supporting local nonprofits, the Honey Brook Women's Club has other annual projects. It awards a $500 scholarship to a Twin Valley High School senior, and club members provide snacks for children who participate in the Honey Brook Lions Club Halloween Parade.

"We partner with the Lions Club. They do a Breakfast with Santa, and we do a children's Christmas store, which offers affordable shopping for kids who want to buy gifts for their (parents and family members)," said club president Liz Risbon. "We wrap the gifts for them as well."

The club also provides meals to the Honey Brook Youth Center and has supplied signs that advertise local nonprofit organization in the community.

In addition to Risbon and Davidson, other club officers include vice president Lynn Klumpp and secretary Mim Wilson.

The Honey Brook Women's Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. from September through June. Club members pay annual dues to participate. New members are welcome. For more information, women may join the "Honey Brook Women's Club" group on Facebook or email Risbon at lrisbon@aol.com.

More information about the recipients of the donations can be found inside this week's edition of the Community Courier.