Altrusa International of Branch County celebrates 40 years of service to the community

Rosalie Currier, The Daily Reporter
·2 min read

Altrusa International of Branch County celebrates their 40th anniversary this year.

As a group, the women know who they are and why they exist. They enjoy each other as they pour money into the community needs.

The list of Altrusa contributions is long.

Early in their history, the club established help for victims of domestic violence. Today, it has grown to Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence led by Kim Hemker and a hardworking staff.

Altrusa also started:

  • Teen Share - housing for homeless teens.

  • Happy Feet - providing shoes and boots as needed to children in Branch County — now a total of 5,645 pairs of footwear at the cost of $85,541.

  • ASTRA - a service club for Coldwater High School students.

  • Literacy projects - including giving out free books at every downtown event.

Altrusa support includes:

  • Astra Scholarships

  • Branch Area Food Pantry

  • Days for Girls

  • Tibbits Opera Foundation

  • Bronson Community Foundation

  • Beginning Care for Life

  • Coach Eby Center after school program

  • Hidden Ponds Horse Rescue

  • Non-traditional scholarship through the Louise B. Wallace Fund

  • The Four Corners Parks projects

  • Bronson Youth Athletics

  • Lakeland Readers are Leaders

  • Jennings Elementary

  • Tibbits Opera Children Focus

Club members gathered June 30 to celebrate the anniversary and invited Jan Kuckel, Altrusa of Branch County founder, and Ina Whitney, the first president, to the banquet. Jan Storrs, a charter member who is currently active, was also instrumental in the program. Caroline Austin, a charter member and only continuously serving member, was not able to attend.

Julie Stratos, a Branch County club member since 1991, is now the District Five governor. She told her friends that Altrusa International is a growing organization and Branch County is a strong club.

Guest speaker for the evening was Coldwater Mayor Tom Kramer.

“I talk a lot about how good Coldwater is,” Kramer said. “To be honest, you are the personification of what makes Coldwater a great community.”

Some citizens look to government for what it can provide, he said. The country was founded on community support, neighbors helping neighbors — looking out for one another. Service clubs such as Altrusa provide that help, he said.

“Altrusa, you should be proud of what you have meant to this community over the past 40 years. Branch County is a better place because of you," Kramer said. "On behalf of the city of Coldwater I express my thanks and gratitude to everyone of you."

Altrusa International of Branch County gathered to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Altrusa International of Branch County gathered to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Altrusa members past and present, include Ina Whitney, the first president; Jan Storrs, a charter and current member; and Jane Kuckel, founder.
Altrusa members past and present, include Ina Whitney, the first president; Jan Storrs, a charter and current member; and Jane Kuckel, founder.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Altrusa International of Branch County celebrates 40 years of service