Altrusa Intl. of Coachella Valley

We believe that everyone is able to make a positive difference to the world around them. We can each volunteer our time, or donate our money, towards worthy causes. Our individual efforts are small, but they matter.

We can achieve even more when we bring people together. For over 100 years Altrusa clubs have collected members from varying occupations and lifestyles, all sharing an interest in community service.

We enjoy the friendship, fun and satisfaction that comes from working together for the benefit of others. Each club develops a program that is tailored to local needs, undertaking a variety of hands-on service and fundraising projects each year. One of our shared goals as an organization is to improve literacy, which we believe is the key to opportunity.

Through Altrusa activities we develop our leadership skills in a supportive environment. We welcome new ideas and aim to provide enough flexibility so that our members can give their time in a way that works for them.

September brings with it a very special observance of International Literacy Day on September 8. This global day reminds us of something we as Altrusans hold close to our hearts: the power of reading and writing to change lives. Literacy is more than just the ability to read a book or write a sentence; it is the foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and connection.

Here in our Coachella Valley, we see firsthand how literacy opens doors for children, families, and adults alike. A child’s joy in discovering the magic of stories, a parent gaining the confidence to help with homework, an adult learning new skills to advance in the workplace...these moments all begin with literacy.

As Altrusans, our service projects and dedication to community uplift tie directly into this mission. Whether we are donating books, mentoring students, or supporting literacy programs, we are part of a worldwide movement to build stronger, more compassionate communities through the written word.

On International Literacy Day, let’s recommit ourselves to the cause. Let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and look forward with hope to the impact we will continue to have. Together, we are helping to write brighter futures...one page, one person, and one project at a time.

Lydia has been a dedicated Altrusan since our club’s founding in 2023. She currently serves as Club Secretary and was our very first Communications Committee Chair.

A proud Coachella Valley native, Lydia treasures the opportunities Altrusa provides to give back to the community she grew up in. One of her favorite service projects was celebrating Dr. Seuss Day at the Palm Desert Library, where she delighted in helping children of all ages craft and create their very own books.

Although Lydia has recently relocated to Colorado, she remains an active and valued member of our club, continuing to share her time and talents with us remotely.

Hello everyone! My name is Karyme, and I’m a senior at California State University, San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus. I recently joined Altrusa as the student intern serving as Communications Chair, and I’m so excited to be part of the team. Since stepping into this role, I’ve been working hard to grow our visibility and connect with more people in creative ways. It’s been such a rewarding experience so far, and I look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to expand our outreach together.

These are some updates I have for you:

• I produced a radio ad for Altrusa International of Coachella Valley, now streaming on my school’s station (PAWS Radio) that is also open to the community.
• There is also a new Instagram and TikTok account to grow our online presence
• Added creative features to our monthly newsletter, including a fun “Joke of the Month” section

Our new Crochet & Knit Club - A place to craft, connect, and spread sunshine through service!

Our first Crochet & Knit Club gathering in September brought together nine participants. It was a wonderful time of connection...sharing stories, meeting new friends, and chatting about the projects currently on our needles and hooks. We’re excited to share that 25 people are already on the interest list for future meet-ups!

Our next meet up will be on October 11, 2025 at the Palm Desert Library Community Room.

Click on this link for more Information - YARN DRIVE

Every contribution, big or small, helps us spread sunshine throughout our community. To get involved or learn more, visit our website here.

https://www.altrusacoachellavalley.org/service-projects

Perfect for busy Altrusans on the go...whether you’re headed to a meeting, volunteering, or need a quick pick-me-up between projects!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• ½ cup dried apples, chopped

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, dried apples, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined.

2. Stir in chocolate chips or raisins, if desired.

3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.

4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

5. 
   

✨ Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Perfect for a grab-and-go snack between service projects!

“You know you're an Altrusan in September when…”

Why don’t notebooks ever argue?

👉 They’re always on the same page.

September 13, 2025 - Stitches of Sunshine - Crochet & Knit Club

September 27, 2025 - Altrusa District Eleven Leadership Workshop

Altrusa International District Eleven

Altrusa International

President - Michelle Bell

Vice President - Gayleen Williams

Secretary - Lydia King

Treasurer - Alice Kluzak

Currently meeting in Rancho Mirage, CA and on Zoom

Email: altrusacoachella@gmail.com
Website: www.altrusacoachellavalley.org
Location: Coachella Valley, CA
Phone: 949-300-5619
Facebook: Altrusa Coachella Valley