Women's Service Day

Story-Telling Photos

2010-10-21T13:20:00.002-07:00

We like to document the work we do and the people who participate in Women's Service Day, and this year was no exception. You can view photos from the event online, and order prints through Kodak Gallery if you'd like your own copies.

Thanks again to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for plans for next year, our 10th Annual Women's Service Day, set for October 6.

We'd love to hear your stories!

2010-10-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

We've counted up the numbers, and can report that we had 90 women serving 12 agencies throughout the Women's Service Day yesterday. We also contributed over $1,000 to Hospice of Holland, the results of our auction and raffle. We didn't count up the pounds of cheese in the breakfast strata; we'll save that for another time.

If you participated in the day, you'll soon receive a request for your feedback. And if you have any stories about what you did or who you met, feel free to share them in comments here.

Thanks again for joining us for a day of service to women and children in our community!

The speediest thank-you!

2010-10-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Before we'd even gotten back to our computers after our event yesterday, we'd received a thank-you note from the resource coordinator at Community Action House. We'll follow up with a more complete summary of the day, but this note captured the spirit, so we wanted to pass it along:

"A little note to express a big ‘Thank You’ to you and all the ladies who served our community today. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful crew of women [on...] Pine Avenue. This home is a transitional housing residence maintained by Community Action House. I saw other women working on various projects throughout our city. How sweet is that!

"Kristen, Kristi, Karen and Amy were willing workers and did a great job of painting doors, trim, a pillar and an upper level deck railing with lots of spindles. Their great work was only overshadowed by their positive and pleasant attitudes. They did a splendid job and even performed a great cleanup of the area and tools from the job. They jokingly challenged me to attend the breakfast next year as they related that there were no men attending this year’s breakfast. How sad. I will do my best to attend the 2011 Women’s Service Day breakfast.

"Please feel free to pass on this ‘Thank You’ from Community Action House to those you feel would like/need to read it. You ladies are THE BEST!"

An apron from a WSD mom

2010-09-28T18:48:00.001-07:00

Edith Maassen, the mother of one of the Women's Service Day planning crew members, made this apron and contributed it to the silent auction, the proceeds of which benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost in this past year. The apron provides full coverage, has a handy pocket, and is fully washable, of course. Best of all, it's made from a pattern taken from the aprons my grandmother always wore, so there's plenty of cooking karma included at no extra charge.

To see the full list of raffle and silent auction items, see our earlier post.

Leaves of concrete! from Diane Aamoth

2010-09-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

Sounds unlikely, yes? But it's true! Diane makes leaves of concrete. They're lovely in a garden, or cupping a little water for a birdsplash. We'll have four, two in each of two sizes, at the silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost in this past year.

To see the entire list of raffle and auction items, see our earlier blog post.

All-wool afghan from a collaboration

2010-09-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

This afghan is the collaborative result of knitting by Cheryl Murdoch and Barbara Loveland, and assembly by Barbara. It's a sampler afghan, with a different knitted pattern on each square. It's all wool, so it's guaranteed warm and cozy for the upcoming winter. And it's donated to our raffle or silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year.

To see the full list of raffle and auction items, see our previous blog post.

MotherTongues MINGA T-Shirt

2010-09-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Women's Service Day planning crew learned that coincidentally, local firm MotherTongues was introducing a new T-shirt this week that says MINGA. If that doesn't resonate, read this definition of the South American Quechua word: "In a MINGA, community members gather to accomplish a task that benefits the community-as-a-whole. A MINGA is called to build schools, health or community centers, to repair roads and water systems, or to replenish forests. Similar to a barn raising amongst a cultural group such as the Amish, a MINGA gathering is hopeful, festive, and committed work by individuals, families, and neighbors. Strangers become friends. Today, we join in the spirit of MINGA when we are engaging in a community of volunteer service. It is giving from one's heart and receiving so much more. As expected, MINGA exists as a concept in many other cultures, where it is called by different names. MINGA anticipates that every person and every community, at some point, will need the help of others. Experience the life-giving spirit of MINGA and carry someone else."

That explication was so strikingly on point to us, we bought shirts for the planning crew to wear on the day of the event. MotherTongues founder Michelle Hamman donated a T-shirt for our auction. And if you're not the lucky winner, you can purchase one for yourself (or learn more about MotherTongues) at her website. The shirts are 100 percent organic cotton and printed with waterbased inks. A dollar for the sale of each T-shirt is donated to the Center for Women in Transition, helping women and children deal with significant life challenges. And MotherTongues is a member of Green America and 1% for the Planet.

To see the complete list of items included in the raffle and silent auction, see our previous blog post. All proceeds are for the Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

All-Occasion Cards from the WSD Planners

2010-09-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Women's Service Day planning crew contributes these all-occasion card sets for the silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year. Each set includes one each of the five cards shown. The cards were made by the crew based on designs by Jackie Bolhuis, Zeeland-based Stampin' Up distributor.

The planning crew also offers two sets of notecards made by daughters and granddaughters.
To see all of the items available for the raffle and silent auction, check out our earlier blog post.

Pillows from Cathy Brooks

2010-09-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Very popular items in previous auctions, these pillows are handmade by Cathy Brooks. They'll be available in multiple sizes and colors; check out what's available on Thursday morning!

For the complete list of items available at the raffle and auction, see our previous blog post. All proceeds from both will benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

Rock Rifle Run Pottery for Silent Auction

2010-09-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

These two contributions to our silent auction, a small quiche dish and a cream and sugar set, come from Kay Hubbard. They were made by Rock Rifle Run Pottery, in Shade, Ohio; the potter is Susie Abramovitz, and Jean Valentine, Kay's sister, does glazing, packing, and slab construction.

Full apron from Nancy Corvers

2010-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Nancy Corvers contributes this apron for the silent auction, proceeds from which go to Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year. Tie one on! The full apron has a double pocket with lace trim. Fun ruffles on the bottom go completely around to cover your... where you typically wipe your hands. Made of a cotton/polyester blend fabric; machine washable in cold water, machine dry. Other sizes are available.

To see the full list of raffle and silent auction items, see our earlier blog post.

Handblown glass by Waltraud Beckmann

2010-09-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

Handblown by Waltraud Beckmann, these glass vessels will be part of the silent auction and raffle. Proceeds from both will go to Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year. One vessel is orange and blue; the other is green and black. To see the full list of raffle and auction items, see our previous blog post.

BOO pillow from Nicole DeSchaaf

2010-09-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

This handmade pillow sham from Nicole is appliqued with BOO on the front; the back of the pillow sham is a whimsical cotton print. A separate pillow insert is included. This item is among those donated by talented area women to be auctioned to benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year.

For the full list of raffle and auction items, see our earlier blog post.

Glass serveware from Mary Jo Campbell

2010-09-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Mary Jo Campbell contributed serving pieces for the raffle or silent auction, the proceeds from which go to Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year. Called "Hang on to Summer," the set includes 8- and 10-inch square glass serving trays, along with a square bowl for dip. The pieces are ornamented with colored gemstones reminiscent of the Caribbean.

To see the full list of auction and raffle items, see our previous blog post.

Cross-stitch for the holidays

2010-09-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

Beverly Koetsier contributed this round cross-stitched tablecloth. Capture the playfulness of the holiday season with this gingerbread scene that rings "visions of sugar plums" to both young and old. All proceeds from the raffle and silent auction are designated for Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

To see the full list of raffle and auction items, see our previous blog post.

Handmade Glass from Sally Kibler

2010-09-27T17:34:00.002-07:00

Among the handmade items for our raffle and silent auction are these glass items handmade by Sally Kibler. All proceeds from the auction and raffle will go to Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year. To see the full list of auction and raffle items, see this blog post.

This fused-glass clock is decorated with dichroic glass frit. And Sally knows just what that is.

This wire-wrapped pink and white breast-cancer awareness pendant necklace was made by Sally and donated by Cindy DeGraaf.

Prints by Kathy Stanton for Raffle/Auction

2010-09-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

We'll be posting images of the items donated by talented area women for our raffle and silent auction as we receive them (and as Blogspot.com cooperates with their uploading). To see the full list of items available, see our previous blog post; all proceeds from the raffle and auction will go to Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

These digital images were donated by Fennville artist and graphic designer Kathy Stanton, whose work can also be seen at the Saugatuck Artists' Collective:

"Autumn Birch" is a 16x20 limited edition digital print. Its retail value is $250.

"Crayon-Colored Hills," a 9x20 digital print, is also a limited edition and has a retail value of $125.

"Flutter" is a 9x9 digital print with a retail value of $50.

Fabulous Raffle and Silent Auction Items

2010-09-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Once again, we're thrilled with the items donated for the raffle and silent auction. Proceeds from both will be given to Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the last year.

We'll add photos and more items and details as we receive them, so check back to see just how fat your wallet should be when you arrive at Women's Service Day on September 30! All items are handmade by women in or connected to our community.

--decorative leaves from Diane Aamoth
--Blown glass vessels by Waltraud Beckmann
--Handmade pillows by Cathy Brooks
--Handmade glassware by Mary Jo Campbell
--A full apron by Nancy Corvers
--A pillow with appliques by Nicole DeSchaaf
--Salsa and a pinata by Andrea Galvan
--A "Minga" T-shirt designed by Michelle Hamman of MotherTongues.com
--A clock and glass pendant made by Sally Kibler
--A cross-stitched holiday tablecloth, just in time for seasonal planning, by Beverly Koetsier
--an apron from Edith Maassen
--Three digital prints by Kathy Stanton
--Pottery from Rock Rifle Run Pottery in Shade, Ohio
--An afghan knitted and assembled by Cheryl Murdoch, Barbara Loveland, and Linda Powell
--All-occasion cards made by the Women's Service Day planning crew

All evidence of the talent within our midst. We're grateful for their contributions.

Donation Drive for Two

2010-09-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

As part of our event, we'll collect donations for two local organizations.

Rick Rack is a new nonprofit in the area, housed in the City on a Hill facility. This organization provides clothing to teens in foster care. Founder Casandra Collins is responding, in part, to her own experience as a foster child decades ago, when she was required to leave her home with only a single grocery bag of clothes. Learn more about Rick Rack at their website, and think about what you might contribute to bring dignity to a young life at a difficult time. Specifically for our event, they're looking for new or gently used jeans and t-shirts (long or short-sleeved, but only with appropriate sayings or artwork) for kids from 11 to 19 years of age.

Sylvia's Place is an organization we've been honored to support in the past. Located in Allegan County, on the southern edge of our service area, Sylvia's Place operates a safe house for victims of domestic abuse, but also offers services to those who are looking to rebuild their lives: counseling, legal advocacy, and referrals for housing and other resources based on the survivor's needs. At the top of the list of Sylvia's Place needs are: paper towels and toilet paper, deodorant and body wash, and laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies. Check out the Sylvia's Place website for more information or more ways you can help.

If you're coming to the Women's Service Day 2010 on September 30, we'll have boxes set up to receive your donations. If you can't make the event but would still like to contribute, either contact the agencies directly or contact the planning team by e-mail at womensserviceday (at) gmail (dot) com.

It's Time to Register for Women's Service Day 2010!

2010-08-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Our sign-up page is now live, so you can register to participate in Women's Service Day 2010, scheduled for September 30. Be sure to spread the word to your friends, family, and co-workers--women over 18 are invited to participate in this day of service to women and children in the Holland and Zeeland community. And remember to register! Because we need to plan with agencies for volunteer projects for all participants, this event is first-registered, first-to-serve.

If you'd like to understand more about this community service event...
... How to sign up to receive ongoing communications, including early notification of the 2011 event date.
... Our current list of participating agencies for the 2010 Women's Service Day
... Read about last year's event if you'd like to know more about what to expect. We'll distribute and post an agenda for this year's event as soon as plans are finalized.
... Meet the planning team, which looks, two years later, even younger than we do in this 2008 photo.

Looking forward to seeing you on September 30!

Where We'll Serve on September 30

2010-08-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

These are the agencies for whom we will paint, nail, sort, cook, clean, organize, assemble, tote, rake, and more as part of Women's Service Day 2010 on September 30:

70x7 supports women (and men) coming back to communities and families from jail/prison and overcoming addictions. Their services include relational support and programs to sustain mentoring and transitional living programs, employment services, addiction recovery, and leadership.
Camp Sunshine provides a camping experience for persons with developmental disabilities in an inclusive environment that embraces their recreational, emotional, physical, spiritual and relational needs.
Center for Women in Transition creates and sustains an environment that enhances the voice, opportunities and strength of women and girls in Allegan and Ottawa Counties.
Community Action House feeds and clothes families, provides housing, and equips community members with skills and resources for sustainable living.
Evergreen Commons brings together in one place both leisure
activities for seniors and the coordination or delivery of services that address many aging related needs of seniors and their families, such as respite care, nutrition, home safety, and the assistance of social workers.
Girls on the Run educates and prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.
Good Samaritan Ministries uses the power of relationships to effectively meet the needs of the poor.
Holland Rescue Mission develops and delivers programs of excellence for the homeless and less fortunate.
Hospice of Holland offers comfort and relief to soothe the body, counsel and support to quiet the heart, and resources of faith to strengthen the spirit toward the end of life.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity builds housing with partner-owners, based on the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live and that our community is a better place when that occurs.
My Sister's House is an adult foster care facility sponsored by the Holland Deacons' Conference.

We'll also have a donation drive, silent auction, and raffle, the proceeds from which will benefit an agency supporting women and/or children in West Michigan. Stay tuned! We'll announce which agencies just as soon as we've completed our investigation.

Sign Up for E-mail Communications

2010-07-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Women's Service Day Committee is gearing up for the 2010 event! We need to make sure you want to continue receiving e-mails from us. Would you help us out by opting in via this form by August 1?

If we don't receive your permission via the form linked to here, we'll be unable to e-mail you with more information about the event.

Watch for the registration e-mail mid-August!

2010 Event Planned for September 30

2010-07-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

We've reserved our breakfast location and alerted the agencies we'll serve: Women's Service Day for 2010 will occur on September 30. "Like" us on Facebook or follow this blog for updates on the planning.

In August, we'll include a link to the registration form--and distribute a link to that form to people we know are interested. We sent out a "hold the date" e-mail on June 30; if you didn't receive it, we may have lost track of your current e-mail address.

Enjoy the summer! We'll keep you posted.

Become a Friend of Women's Service Day

2009-11-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

One thing Women’s Service Day volunteers are good at is networking. Maybe it’s because that’s one of the goals for the grassroots event, now in its eighth year. Or maybe because the type of people who volunteer in their community are networkers by nature.

One way Women’s Service Day encourages connection among participants (besides the interaction that occurs among work crews) is during breakfast, where everyone comes together before heading out to their assigned tasks. But this year the connection extended to the virtual world.

While volunteers have always been invited via e-mail to participate in Women’s Service Day, this year the planning crew tapped into social media networks. Now through a group on Facebook (called Women’s Service Day), it’s easier for participants to invite their sisters, mothers, daughters, coworkers, friends, and partners to join the event. And, the planning crew will continue to use this blog to communicate about the event.

Women's Service Day began in 2002 when a few women at Herman Miller--passionate about serving their community--volunteered to work on a Habitat house for a single mother. The group blossomed into a team of 50 women—more than one Habitat house could accommodate. Every year since, the planning crew has organized a day of volunteering specifically for women, establishing the following goals:
--To make a difference in our community—and have a great time doing so
--To increase awareness of issues for women and children in the West Michigan community
--To promote networking among women in our organization and community

While 93 women signed up this year to serve 12 non-profit organizations in West Michigan, one-third of them were caregivers, students, stay-at-home parents, self-employed, or worked for other organizations beyond Herman Miller. Social networking yields results!

The group also raised $1,000, which was donated to Holland Free Health Clinic, an organization that facilitates access to health care for those in need in the Holland-Zeeland community. And they donated a heap of clothing and supplies to Women's Resource Center in Grand Rapids for low-income women embarking on job interviews or reentering the workforce.

Next year, the planning crew hopes to expand its network even further. Do you know some women who would like to participate? Have them sign up online and we'll be sure to send them an e-mail invitation when it's time to register!

Thanks for all the energy and enthusiasm! A great day.

2009-10-02T16:15:00.001-07:00

An excellent day. We had the best weather of the week--no rain and warm enough for people doing outdoors work to shed layers. Best of all, we had 100 women working for 12 agencies in 17 locations. Our favorite quote came from a woman whose house received some paint and cleaning: It's "like a dream come true," she said. "It's the kind of thing you see on TV. We never thought it would happen to us!"

With the silent auction and raffle, we also raised and donated $1,000 to the Holland Free Health Clinic (if you missed the event, you can go to their web site to make a direct donation) and collected about 10 boxes of clothing and personal care products for the Women's Resource Center in Grand Rapids.

We love planning this event; we love even more seeing good things happen. It's lovely to know that we're here to help each other--a true community!

If you've got stories from the event you'd like to share, we'd love to hear them. Participants will receive an e-mail shortly asking for feedback, but you can also post your stories here.

A final wrap-up of the plans for the day

2009-09-25T16:32:00.001-07:00

We've sent all these details for October 1 out via e-mail, but we'll summarize here, too. If you accidentally deleted your e-mail or are avoiding your work in-box, it's all here!

We look forward to seeing you for Women's Service Day, October 1.

We request a $5 donation for breakfast, and we'll hold both a silent auction and a raffle, so bring some cash!
We'll also be collecting donations for Women's Resource Center of Grand Rapids; follow the link to an earlier blog post for a complete list of what they're requesting.
Plan to bring work gloves (and rubber gloves if you prefer to use them for indoor cleaning), and dress to accommodate a variety of tasks since you will be randomly assigned to your crew.
Many tasks are better tackled with closed-toed shoes, so we don't recommend sandals or flip-flops; please plan to wear (or bring as back-up) a pair of close-toed shoes.
We ask crews to lunch on their own (some prefer to snack and work through to early afternoon). If you prefer to carry your own lunch, please do!

We're looking forward to serving our community with you!

Here's what the day will look like:

8:00-8:15 a.m.
Plan to arrive at Hope Church between 8-8:15 a.m. The church is centrally located at 77 West 11th Street in Holland (between River and Pine Avenues, just south of downtown Holland and west of Centennial Park).

Drop off your donations for Women's Resource Center just inside the door.

Check in at the Welcome Table, pay for breakfast (donation of $5.00), and buy your raffle tickets ($1 each, 6 for $5, or 14 for $10).

Draw your table number, which will also indicate your crew assignment.

Distribute your raffle tickets among the artwork donated by talented women and/or bid on the silent auction items.

Go to the table number you received and meet your crew and agency representative.

8:30 a.m.
Help yourself to the breakfast buffet and network with your crew while you wait for the raffle drawing results.

9:30 a.m.
Adjourn with your crew to your work site.

Remember to take along a crew assignment card from your table, as well as an apple and granola bar for a snack at your work site.

Plan to have lunch with your crew and wrap up by 3:00 p.m. However, feel free to stay at your work site as long as you desire.

Silent Auction and Raffle Information
Many talented women from West Michigan have donated their crafts for the silent auction and raffle. Proceeds will go to Holland Free Health Clinic. If you forget to buy your raffle tickets at the door, you can still buy them from a Women's Volunteer Day crew member during breakfast. Please bring check or cash for the raffle and silent auction, as we cannot accept credit cards.

Women's Resource Center Donations
We'll collect donation items for Women's Resource Center in Grand Rapids, which offers professional wardrobe advice and clothing to low-income women to help improve women's workplace and economic opportunities. Through the Working Women's Clothes Closet (WWCC), the Women's Resource Center provides a source of high quality clothing and accessories they need for job interviews or to reenter the workforce. See this earlier blog post for specifics about what they can use.

Contact Information
If you have a last-minute change in plans (sickness, business crisis, etc.) and are unable to participate--or just need directions--please contact the planning team by e-mailing womensserviceday (at) gmail (dot) com. See you October 1!

The Bumper Crop of Raffle/Auction Goods

2009-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

All the donations are collected (we think... at this point, with our deadlines around the corner, we're not sure of much), and we couldn't be more pleased. These are the items that will be available in the raffle and silent auction that are part of the breakfast that starts our day of service. Proceeds from both go to the Holland Free Health Clinic.

This set of two pillows is handcrafted by Cathy Brooks of "Small Dot" textile by Maharam, Luna textiles, and many other choices classified as "customer's own material" (which, in the furniture industry, means they're cool).

Kathy Stanton donated this 9-by-20-inch digital image, created from a digital photograph. It's called "Crayon Colored Hills."

Kathy Stanton also donated this larger image, also digitally created from a photograph. Sixteen-by-twenty-inches in size, it's called "Beach Walk."

We're delighted to support the Holland Free Health Clinic when so many need its assistance. Please come to Women's Service Day ready to roll up your sleeves, but also ready to open your checkbook or wallet (no credit cards, please).

Raffle and Silent Auction Contributions

2009-09-23T15:16:00.001-07:00

It's always fun to collect the handmade items and artwork that are donated for the raffle and silent auction that are part of the Women's Service Day. We have such talented and generous women within our community! Proceeds from the auction and raffle will go this year to the Holland Free Health Clinic, which is helping to meet the needs for health care and prescription medications. The need is especially acute, as people who've lost their jobs often also lose their insurance coverage.

So bring your checkbook and wads of cash (no credit cards, please)! It's for a good cause, and we've got some great items.

This necklace was made by Sally Kibler of fused glass, wrapped in sterling silver.

This felted bag was made by Barbara Loveland; it's part of her "Heart Felt" collection.

Kim Harris VanderLende donated this oil painting on gessoed paper, framed in rustic wood. It's called "River View at Oxbow" and is 8 by 10 inches.

Another fused glass piece with sterling silver, this orange necklace is handmade by Sally Kibler.

This red felted bag was made by Barbara Loveland; it's part of her "Heart Felt" collection.

Mary Jo Campbell hand-painted a set of four 18.5 oz. wine glasses. Each has a retro flower motif and, on the base, a different quote: "I feel a sin coming on," "I love not camping," "Born to be wild," and "Medicated and motivated."

This stained glass panel was made by the Women's Service Day Planning Crew, under the able direction and with the invaluable assistance of Sally Kibler. It's in shades of pink and purple and includes a chain for hanging.

Sally Kibler also made this fused glass pendant with sterling silver.

Waltraud Beckmann created this blown-glass vessel in vibrant yellow, red, and orange. It's five and half inches tall and six and a half inches in diameter.

We have a few more items still coming in, so check back for more images and evidence of creativity!

New Agencies, Extra Details

2009-09-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

Because of the fabulous registration for the October 1 event, and our chronic inability to stop networking, we've added a few additional agencies to the list of those we'll serve: Camp Sunshine and the Macatawa Greenway Partnership.

And we're ready to say more about the recipient of the proceeds from the silent auction and raffle, too. The Holland Free Health Clinic provides health services to the poor and uninsured in our community. They provide or coordinate prescription medication, diabetic supplies, and dental and eye care for folks at or below 200% of the federal poverty level who have no health coverage from any source. They've just published their mid-year report on services, which shows that the number of new applicants seeking services has increased 50% each year for the last two years.

We're happy to support this good work, with the support of artists and craftswomen who donate their work for the raffle and auction, and then the support of participants who come prepared with their wallets and checkbooks. (Please note we're not able to accept credit or debit cards.)

Can't wait for October 1! Check back for photos and descriptions of the raffle and auction items.

To Register If You Didn't Get an E-Mail Link

2009-08-19T12:15:00.001-07:00

If we have a current e-mail address for you and we know you're interested, you should have received a message today with a link to the registration form. But if you've virtually moved or we've misplaced you (these things do happen), here's a link to the registration form.

Once you've registered, we'll have your e-mail address on record and can communicate with you via e-mail until and right after the event--and keep you informed for next year, too.

If you've stumbled on this site and aren't sure what we're talking about, peruse this summary and then the blog archive: Women's Service Day is an annual event for women over 18 in the Holland/Zeeland area to serve women and children through a day of service with local agencies. We also learn about the work of local nonprofits, network with other women, and have a lot of fun.

Agencies We'll Support on October 1

2009-08-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

We can hardly believe it, but our Women's Service Day now appears right around the corner! We're firming up plans with the participating agencies, and thought you might want to know who we're serving:

70x7 Life Recovery, a new agency for us this year
Center for Women in Transition
Community Action House
Evergreen Commons
Girls on the Run
Good Samaritan Ministries
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity
Holland Rescue Mission
Hospice of Holland
My Sister's House, an adult foster care facility sponsored by the Holland Deacons' Conference
Ottawa County Health Department

We're also collecting donations for Women's Resource Center in Grand Rapids. They help to improve women's workplace and economic opportunities through assistance in preparing for job interviews or to reenter the workforce. Their Working Women's Clothes Closet (WWCC) offers high-quality clothing and accessories--and all donations are tax deductible. Here's what they need:

Clothing (clean and in good condition) that's needed: Suites, dresses, dress pants, blouses, shoes, dress coats, jackets, purses, accessories, skirts, pant suits, and new nylons, especially in size 18 and above.
Items needed for job seekers: Resume paper and envelopes, "Forever" postage stamps to mail resumes, pens and pencils, week-at-a-glance planners, The Rapid bus passes, gas station gift cards, cell phone minutes, donations of talent or cash for car repairs, shopping bags (in good condition from "nicer" department stores) of all sizes, and personal care products including unopened tampons (no baby or children's items, of course).
Items needed for client classes: Meijer gift cards for refreshments, pizza gift certificates, projector for computer classes, computer speakers and/or headsets.

You can imagine yourself getting ready for an interview for a job you'd really like, and then imagine what you'll use to get ready, wear, and carry with you. Those are what's needed!

If you have any questions, you can post them here or you can e-mail the planning team (at womensserviceday at gmail.com) for a personal response.

Hope to see you on October 1!

Join Women's Service Day on Facebook

2009-06-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

If you're a Facebook user, become a member of our group to get updates and to help us spread the word! At our group page (Women's Service Day 2009), click on the link to tell us you're interested, and we'll confirm your membership that same day. Then you can participate in discussions and invite your friends.

If you're not a Facebook user, of course, we're not the only thing you're missing out on. But everyone decides for herself whether to put a toe in that technological water....

Announcing the 2009 Women's Service Day!

2009-06-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

Women's Service Day began in 2002 when a few women—passionate about serving their community—volunteered to work on a Habitat house for a single mother. The group blossomed into a team of 50 women—more than one Habitat house could accommodate. Every year since, we’ve organized a day of volunteering specifically for women, reaching a record 149 participants!

You may have known it as Women’s Volunteer Day. We’ve changed the name because, after all, it’s not about who we are but about what we do. It's an opportunity for you to offer your time, skills, and talent to nonprofit organizations in the Holland/Zeeland area, to increase awareness of issues for area women and children, and to network among women in our community.

In the past, we’ve cleaned and organized, painted and finished, landscaped and weeded, cooked and baked, washed windows, assembled lesson plans and materials, organized and led after-school activities for middle school girls, and made cards for families with loved ones who are terminally ill or living in nursing facilities.

This year, Women’s Service Day will be on Thursday, October 1. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast at Hope Church in Holland, where you’ll be assigned a task for the day. Participating on work crews and sharing a meal as a group are fun ways to meet new people and make connections. You’ll start your volunteer assignments around 10 a.m., working for 4-6 hours and having lunch on your own as a crew. Participants will be limited to first-registered, first-served, and you must be present at breakfast to get your assignment.

You're already on our mailing list if you've participated before (and haven't changed your e-mail address) or if you or someone else told us you'd like to participate. Please help us expand our community network by inviting your sisters, friends, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, partners, and colleagues (aged 18 and older, please); just let us know their names and e-mail addresses.

We'll send a registration e-mail later this summer, but for now, save the date! And if you'd like to chat with us or other participants before the event, post comments here or join our Facebook group--just search for Women's Service Day (Holland/Zeeland) and ask to join.

Date Set for 2009 Event: October 1

2009-02-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

We've chosen the date for our volunteer event for 2009: Thursday, October 1. Hard to believe it, but the planning has already begun! We're going to follow the same format as last year, starting with breakfast at a central location before crews head out to the dozen or so agencies to work.

We're also going to start a Facebook group to make it easier to stay connected with folks who may have changed e-mail addresses, and to make it easier for people to spread the word to their networks. While we started this event with Herman Miller employees, we opened it up last year to women across the Holland/Zeeland community with good response; we're hoping for even more this year.

If you're new to the Women's Volunteer Service Day, check out the archive to read about last year's event. And stay tuned! We hope to see you on October 10.

We're so grateful for all of your help!

2008-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Because of our new format this year, we needed extra help during breakfast, getting everyone signed in and fed before we headed out to our volunteer assignments. That was another half-dozen folks to be grateful for--along with all of the women who are happy and energized to give much of a day to others in the community. The artists and craftspeople who donated their work for our raffle, too, didn't need to be asked twice.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. I was part of a crew that assembled gifts for an upcoming conference for leaders of homeless shelters. Not something you think about, right? That those people also get together to exchange what in the corporate world we called "best practices"? We also learned that the average age of people passing through the Holland Rescue Mission these days is--what would you think? I've asked a few people, who've said 38? 47? 29? Nope. The answer is 12. Twelve years old, on average. That was shocking to me.

But I digress. What I meant to do was to create a place where other folks could share their stories from Women's Volunteer Day 2008. What did you do? How did it feel? Wasn't it a beautiful day?

What to bring and expect on September 25

2008-09-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Because this year is different from previous years, here's some more detail about what to expect. First, what to plan to have with you:

We're holding a raffle, so bring some cash! See the terrific donated raffle prizes in earlier posts below.
We're collecting donations for Holland Rescue Mission; the items they need are listed below.
Bring work gloves (and rubber gloves if you prefer to use them for indoor cleaning).
Wear (or bring, just in case) CLOSE-TOED SHOES to protect your toes.

Plan to get dirty, not to make an impression; dress accordingly!

Here's what the day will look like:

8:00-8:15 a.m.

Arrive at Hope Church, centrally located at 77 West Eleventh Street in Holland (between River and Pine Avenues, just south of downtown Holland and west of Centennial Park).
Drop off your donations for Holland Rescue Mission just inside the door.
Check in at the Welcome Table (we're requesting a breakfast donation of $5) and buy raffle tickets ($1 each, 6 for $5, or 14 for $10).
Draw your table number, which will also indicate your crew assignment.
Distribute your raffle tickets among the artwork donated by four talented women.
Go to the table number you received and meet your crew and agency representative.

8:30 a.m.

Help yourself to the breakfast buffet and network with your crew while you wait for the raffle drawing results.

9:30 a.m.

Adjourn with your crew to your work site. Remember to take along a crew assignment card from your table, as well as an apple and granola bar for a snack at your work site.
Plan to have lunch with your crew and wrap up by 3:00 p.m. Unless, of course, you're in the groove--then stay at your work site as long as you like.

Holland Rescue Mission Donations
Our donation drive this year is for women and children at the Holland Rescue Mission's Family Hope Ministry Center, which shelters women, children, and intact families experiencing homelessness.

For women, the Mission needs: new panties and socks; shampoo, conditioner, hair gel/spray/mousse/etc., combs, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, disposable razors, lotion, and feminine hygiene products.

For children, the Mission needs: diapers, wipes, sippy cups, pacifiers, bibs, onesies, and toddler/preschool snacks.

Raffle Prize: Painting

2008-09-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

"Autumn Birch" by Kathy Stanton
Size: 16" x 20"
Based on a photograph taken on the Leelenau Peninsula, then digitally enhanced to exaggerate the essence of the scene.

Raffle Prize: Oil Painting

2008-09-16T08:39:00.001-07:00

"Lift Your Name—From the Cross, to the Earth, to the Sky" by Kim Harris
Size: 9" x 12"
Oil on canvas, black canvas floater frame

Raffle Prize: Handpainted Wine Glasses

2008-09-16T08:33:00.001-07:00

Handpainted Wine Glasses by MaryJo Campbell
Four 18 oz. red wine glasses with large purple petals around goblet, green stem swirled around glass stem, and two purple flower buds on a black base.

Raffle Prize: Custom Pillows

2008-09-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Set of two pillows, donated by Cathy Brooks
"Small Dot" Maharam pattern / Luna fabrics & many other choices classified as C.O.M.s. Raffle winner may take pillows on display on Women's Volunteer Day or choose other fabrics or sizes to be custom-made and delivered after the event.

Why our geographic focus?

2008-09-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, the planning team is asked why this event is in Holland/Zeeland instead of in Spring Lake, for example. There are a couple of reasons. In the first few years, all of us on the planning team worked at the Holland/Zeeland Herman Miller facilities, and understood that employees come from the north and south and east (not the west so much, but only because of the water). Holland/Zeeland seemed to be the common ground, with the advantage of having enough active agencies to assure that we had enough places for volunteers to work on the same day. When we had a half-day event, it also made it convenient for most people to pop into or out of the office. And because one of our objectives was to give women an opportunity to connect or reconnect with lots of other women, we wanted to be able to bring everyone together for part of the event--lunch or, this year, breakfast--so we didn't want people spread too far around the area.

This year we've decided to extend our network more deliberately beyond Herman Miller employees; for the planning team it still feels right for us to center our efforts in Holland/Zeeland--this is also the common ground among the seven of us on the planning team.

While our own ambitions haven't called for developing events in other geographies, we certainly understand and applaud the desire from other folks to contribute in their own communities. We'll happily share our experiences, planning documents, and expertise to give anyone who'd like to plan a comparable event in another place a head start!

If you've registered but plans have changed. . .

2008-09-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

Because of the way the Women's Volunteer Event is planned, it's important that we have pretty accurate information about how many participants we'll have. Otherwise, we may need to disappoint some agencies or leave some work undone. So if you've registered for the event but now find you can't attend, please let us know. The most foolproof way to notify is is via e-mail to wvd.planning.committee at gmail.com.

Hope to see you on September 25!

You can still register--and invite your friends!

2008-09-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

A grass-roots event that began with 50 women working on a Habitat for Humanity house for a single mother has blossomed into an annual event over the last six years: Women's Volunteer Day. Last year there were 140 participants! The spirit of giving—time, talent, and donations—in the West Michigan community is alive and growing.

The event is an opportunity for volunteers to offer their time, skills, and talent to several nonprofit organizations in the Holland/Zeeland area, to increase awareness of issues for women and children in West Michigan, and to promote networking among women in our community.

It's time to sign up if you're interested! This year's Women's Volunteer Day is scheduled for Thursday, September 25. Capacity is limited and you must be registered prior to the event to participate. The number of participants will be limited to first-come, first-served.

In the spirit of spontaneity, you'll discover your work assignment the day of the event. Plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. at Hope Church in Holland, where you'll check in and assemble with your crew at the breakfast table. (We're asking for a $5 donation.) You'll set out with your crew to begin your tasks around 10 a.m., working for 4-6 hours and having lunch on your own.

Organizations you may be assigned to were listed in an earlier post; scroll down to follow the links and learn more about each.

During breakfast, we'll hold a raffle for artwork donated by talented women from West Michigan. Proceeds will go to Holland Rescue Mission, an organization that addresses homelessness and poverty. Also, we'll collect donation items for women and children at the Holland Rescue Mission's Family Hope Ministry Center, which shelters women, children, and intact families experiencing homelessness.

For women, the Mission needs: new panties and socks for women; shampoo, conditioner, hair gel/spray/mousse/etc., combs, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, disposable razors, lotion, and feminine hygiene products.

For children, the Mission needs: diapers, wipes, sippy cups, pacifiers, bibs, onesies, and toddler/preschool snacks.

Just complete this online form as soon as possible to register. You'll receive a confirmation that we've received your information, and you'll be on an email distribution list for future event communications. We encourage you to build our community network by inviting to your sisters, friends, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, nieces, partners, and colleagues (aged 18 and older, please).

Thank you for your willingness to help!

What to wear, what to wear. . . .

2008-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

We didn't mean to make this perennial question more difficult by giving crew assignments the morning of the event. We think the best bet is for you to wear casual, comfortable clothes you'd wear to do projects indoors or out at home. Layering will help you adapt to the day's weather as well as project-site conditions; you might throw a paint shirt and a rain jacket in your car.

Bottom line: We're not volunteering anyplace where you can't be casual. And we'd rather not have you regret damage to favorite clothing!

Agencies we'll serve on Women's Volunteer Day

2008-08-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

We've worked with a number of agencies in the Holland/Zeeland area; what they have in common is programs or services that support women and children. To learn more about each agency--or to explore other opportunities to volunteer or donate needed items--check out their websites or contact them directly:
Center for Women in Transition
Community Action House
Evergreen Commons
Girls on the Run
Good Samaritan Ministries
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity
Holland Rescue Mission
Hospice of Holland
My Sister's House, an adult foster care facility sponsored by the Holland Deacons' Conference

Starting location for Women's Volunteer Day

2008-08-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

We start our day at Hope Church, which graciously supports our event through the use of their facility. It's right downtown in Holland, 77 West 11th Street, just west of Centennial Park; if you haven't been there before, here's a map that will make it easy to find. Please plan to arrive between 8 and 8:15 a.m. Carpooling is always a good idea; otherwise reserve a few minutes for parking. There's a church parking lot, but it's small; there's also city-parking-lot and street parking a block or less away.

Introducing the WVD Planning Team

2008-08-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Who are these women? The specific answer first: In the back row, left to right, Waltraud Beckmann, Carrie [Schroeck] Ypma, Lois Maassen, Avril Wiers, and Cheryl Murdoch; in the front, Marcia Davis, Cindy DeGraaf, and Sue Gadbois.

More generally, we are women who've had the privilege of knowing one another through intersections in our careers (except Avril, who has a family connection). We discovered common values in a couple of areas:

Issues facing women and children everywhere, but especially within our community, where we feel some ability to pitch in
The power and joy of working together to make a difference
The belief that women can support each other, across many divides that we sometimes let stop us too easily, if we tend to our networks

2008 is the seventh year we're undertaking this project together. During those seven years, we've sent children off to elementary school and college, changed jobs, gotten married, graduated from high school, retired, and so much more. It's been a pleasure to share it with one another.

Our Save-the-Date Message!

2008-06-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

This year we're embarking on our 7th annual Women's Volunteer Day, a grass-roots event that began in 2002 with some women from Herman Miller volunteering to work on a Habitat for Humanity house for a single mother, and resulted in a team of 50 women—more than one Habitat house could accommodate. Every year the event has grown, reaching a record 149 participants last year!

It's an opportunity for volunteers to offer their time, skills, and talent to several nonprofit organizations in the Holland/Zeeland area, to increase awareness of issues for women and children in West Michigan, and to promote networking among women in our community.

Activities we've done in the past include cleaning and organizing, painting and finishing, landscaping and weeding, cooking and baking, washing windows, assembling boxes of lesson plans and materials for coaches of a spring running program, organizing and leading after-school activities for middle school girls, and making homemade cards for families with loved ones who are terminally ill or living in nursing home facilities.

This year we're planning our Women's Volunteer Day on Thursday, September 25. For those who have participated in the past, we wanted to make you aware of a change in format: Volunteers will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast at Hope Church in Holland, and start their assignments around 10 a.m., working for 4-6 hours and having lunch on their own. Instead of choosing an agency or task when you register, you'll be assigned a task when you come for breakfast the day of the event. Both the work crews and sharing a meal as participants are fun ways to meet new people and make connections among our community of women. The number of participants will be limited to first-come, first-served and you must be present at breakfast to get your assignment.

Also different from previous years will be our extended invitation to women outside of Herman Miller. While we've always welcomed "outside" participants, we've never actively pursued their participation before. This year, we'd like to promote our community network by encouraging you to include your sisters, friends, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, partners, and colleagues (aged 18 and older, please).

This message was sent via e-mail to folks who've participated in past years, folks who told us they'd like to participate, or folks someone else thought would like to participate. Please let us know the names and e-mail addresses of those friends, family members, and coworkers you think would like to participate. We'll be sending a registration e-mail later this summer, so remember to save the date!

The Organizing Committee

Women's Volunteer Day

Waltraud Beckmann, Marcia Davis, Cindy DeGraaf, Sue Gadbois, Lois Maassen, Cheryl Murdoch, Carrie Ypma

Blog to keep folks updated about WVD

2008-05-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

This blog will help us communicate about plans for the 2008 Women's Volunteer Day event in West Michigan. Bookmark, Delicious, subscribe to the RSS feed--or do whatever it is you do to stay connected so you've got up-to-date information on the event as it's developed!