This week's Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce "Member Spotlight of the Week" recognition is going out to Altrusa International of Branch County, Inc.  Read more below on why Altrusa International of Branch County, Inc. feels that they deserve this week's Spotlight. In the fall of 1981, a concerned group of professional women in Coldwater began discussing the need for a women's service organization in the area.  Eighteen women met with representatives of several international service clubs over a period of several months.  During this time, the group grew to over fifty interested women and changed from a Coldwater group to one representing the entire county.

After many months, a decision was made in April of 1982 to join Altrusa International. The Charter Presentation and Installation of Officers was held on May 22, 1982, with fifty-five charter members.

Altrusa is an international, nonprofit organization that was first organized in Nashville in 1917.  It was the first national organization of business and professional women.  One year later, the headquarters were established in Chicago. With an extension into Mexico, it became an international organization in 1935. In 1987, the bylaws were amended to admit men into membership. 

Altrusa International of Branch County, Inc. provides community service, develops leadership, and fosters and encourages fellowship, through dedicated volunteers. Our motto is Patriotism, Efficiency and Service. We are committed to literacy, international relations, children and families, scholarship and leadership. Our first community service project was to beautify the NW corner of downtown with flowers. Thirty five years later, our club continues to maintain the colorful blooms. 

Eager to do something that would make an impact and a difference in the community; our Altrusans started many award winning programs. Though they are now independently run with their own board, Altrusa initiated what is now the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for victims of domestic violence and Altrusa Teen SHARE, which houses homeless teens so that they can continue their education. Altrusa members continue to support these programs throughout the year with volunteer service, donations, and finances.

Ten years ago, Altrusa started the international award winning Happy Feet Program. It is a hands-on program that provides approximately 500 pairs of shoes, boots and socks each year to Branch county children. Over the years, this program donated over 4000 pairs of footwear at a cost of over $60,000.00. The funding for this program received overwhelming support from the community with donations from the United Way, Women Who Care, grants, businesses, churches, service clubs and other various community members who have donated to our club for this project..

We also have an extremely active Literacy Committee that develops various projects for distribution to children in our schools. We developed a Branch County Historical Coloring Book for second graders and recently in 2019, developed a Branch County Literacy Calendar for all Kindergarten students and their families.

Our Altrusa club also sponsors award winning ASTRA clubs at Coldwater and Quincy high schools, where leadership skills are developed along with an interest in community service. 

Altrusa distributes thousands of dollars each year to other community projects as well as non-traditional scholarships. Support for these organizations and projects comes from the proceeds of the Altrusa Golf Scramble held annually on the last Friday in May and the Altrusa Diamond Raffle held the first Wednesday in December.

Altrusa is always looking for individuals who would like to make a difference in their community, while enjoying the friendship and camaraderie offered by working together.  Our members come from all walks of life.  For more information on Altrusa or Altrusa International of Branch County, contact any Altrusa member or visit our Facebook page or website at www.altrusabranchcounty.com.  Altrusa International of Branch County meets on the first, third and fifth Wednesday or the month at the Elks Temple at noon.