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.

Summer has certainly arrived in the Coachella Valley. As the temperatures soar and we seek relief from the desert heat, we’re reminded that even in the warmest season, it is the kindness, generosity, and compassion of others that truly brighten our days.

This summer also gives us a moment to reflect on the loss of a dear friend and member of our Altrusa family, Jan Riggins. Jan was a longtime Altrusan whose dedication to service reached far beyond club boundaries. As a dual member, she generously supported our Coachella Valley Club from its beginning and was there to celebrate our Chartering Ceremony. Her presence, encouragement, and commitment to Altrusa helped shape our club, and her legacy of service will continue to inspire us.

I was grateful to join members of the San Diego North County Coastal Club in Carlsbad for Jan’s funeral Mass. The following week, during my club visit with SDNCC, we had another opportunity to honor and remember Jan together. It was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of her life.

In a touching tribute, Jan’s daughter, Theresa, brought her ashes so that Jan could once again have a place at the table and in the photos. Governor Hillary also joined us from the Chula Vista Club, making the gathering even more meaningful. There was something especially fitting about Altrusans coming together in friendship and service to remember someone who gave so much of herself to both.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jan’s family and to all who had the privilege of calling her a friend.

As we look ahead to the months to come, I encourage each of us to honor Jan’s example by continuing to serve with open hearts, supporting one another, and finding joy in making a difference. Every project we complete, every friendship we strengthen, and every life we touch reflects the enduring spirit of Altrusa.

Thank you for your dedication, your generosity, and the light you bring to our community and to one another. Wishing you a safe, happy, and refreshing summer.

In Service and Friendship,
Michelle

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone has been having a wonderful summer! As summer begins to wind down and we head into the back-to-school season, I wanted to take a moment to look back at one of the ways Altrusa International of Coachella Valley connected with our community this summer.

In celebration of Pride Month, our club created affirmation cards for the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in Palm Springs. Each card included a positive and encouraging message, with the goal of spreading kindness, support, and a little extra positivity within our community. 💕🏳️‍🌈

Projects like this are a great reminder that even a few encouraging words can have an impact. It was wonderful to see our members come together to create something meaningful that could brighten someone’s day.

Now, as we transition from summer into the back-to-school season, we have another opportunity to continue that spirit of encouragement and service. A new school year represents new beginnings, learning, and growth all things that connect beautifully with Altrusa’s commitment to literacy and strengthening our community. 📚✏️

As Communications Chair, I look forward to continuing to share our projects, events, and the work our members are doing throughout the Coachella Valley. If you have photos, updates, upcoming events, or anything you would like to see highlighted through our communications, please feel free to send them my way!

I would also love to hear from our members about the types of content you would like to see from Altrusa. Whether you have an idea for something new, a topic you think we should highlight, or a type of content you would enjoy seeing more of, I’m always happy to hear your suggestions and explore new ways to showcase our club and its work.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer, and here’s to a wonderful start to the new season! ☀️📚

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

With hearts full of love and hands full of yarn, the Stitches of Sunshine Crochet & Knit Club donated a beautiful basket of more than 100 handmade baby hats to the Eisenhower Family Birth Center. Each hat was crocheted with care to provide warmth and a heartfelt welcome for the newest members of our community.

Merle was fundraising for Stitches of Sunshine at her community craft sale. Thank you for representing, Merle!

Our members created affirmation cards for LGBTQ+ individuals as a small but meaningful reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, supported, and celebrated. Each card features thoughtful messages of encouragement, kindness, and acceptance, with the hope of bringing a smile and uplifting someone who receives it.

These cards were distributed through the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in Palm Springs, helping share a message of belonging and community with those they serve. ❤️🏳️‍🌈

Find out more about our services projects here!

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

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a special challenge encouraging students, faculty, and staff to complete 40 hours of volunteer service in the community.

Altrusa Coachella Valley was excited to be part of the celebration! Karyme represented our club at a recent campus tabling event, sharing information about Altrusa and connecting with students interested in learning more about our service projects and volunteer opportunities.

It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce students to Altrusa and inspire the next generation of community volunteers!

Citrus Lime Summer Fruit Salad

A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite!

Cool, colorful, and refreshing, the perfect treat for a hot Coachella Valley summer.

What did August say to September?
“Don’t worry, I’ll warm them up for you!” ☀️😂

Stitches of Sunshine Crochet & Knit Club - October 10 & October 24 at the Palm Desert Library from 10am-11:30am.

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