Altrusa Intl. of Coachella Valley
June 2025 Newsletter
Leading to a Better Community
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.
Message from the President
By Michelle Bell
🌼 National Say Something Nice Day – June 1st 🌼
On June 1st, we celebrated National Say Something Nice Day — a gentle reminder of the power kindness holds. Whether it’s a compliment, a word of encouragement, or a simple “thank you,” your words can brighten someone's entire day.
In Altrusa, we believe in leading with compassion and service—and this day was a perfect opportunity to practice both. Let's practice it every day. Take a moment to lift someone up. Tell a coworker they’re appreciated, remind a friend of their strengths, or share a smile with a stranger.
Kindness is free — sprinkle it everywhere.
Spreading Hope, One Page at a Time
We were honored to share a bit of hope and inspiration with Shelter From The Storm in Palm Desert by donating 80 small journals, each filled with uplifting quotes, to support and encourage the courageous clients receiving care and refuge there.
These journals are more than just pages—they’re a quiet space to dream, reflect, and heal. Each one carries a gentle reminder: you are strong, you are seen, and your journey matters. Our hope is that these gifts offer a moment of peace and a spark of confidence as survivors rebuild their lives with resilience and grace.
We are deeply grateful to our members whose kindness made this possible. Acts of service like this remind us that even the smallest gestures can help light the way forward.
"Every new day is a blank page. Write your story with courage and hope."
đź§¶ Stitches of Sunshine: Crafting Comfort for Our Community
Our Stitches of Sunshine service project embodies the heart of our mission—bringing warmth and comfort to those in need through handcrafted items. Whether it's a cozy blanket for an unhoused individual or a soft hat for a newborn, each stitch carries a message of care and compassion.
Our dedicated volunteers knit, crochet, and quilt items that are distributed to local organizations, including the Refuge Pregnancy Center, the Street Medicine program at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, the Humane Society, and members of our unhoused community.
How You Can Help:
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Volunteer Your Skills: Join our team of crafters to create items that make a difference.
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Donate Supplies: We welcome donations of yarn and needles.
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Support Our Yarn Drive: Contribute to our ongoing efforts by donating supplies or handcrafted items.
Every contribution, big or small, helps us spread sunshine throughout our community. To get involved or learn more, visit our website here.
Member Spotlight: Heart of Altrusa
“I came to a meeting for the service projects.
I stayed for the laughter and social time.
Altrusa makes doing good feel easy and fun.”
— Alice K., Member since 2022
Find out more about our services projects here!
INTERNATIONAL / DISTRICT ELEVEN
ALTRUSA INTL. OF COACHELLA VALLEY OFFICERS
President - Michelle Bell
Vice President - Gayleen Williams
Secretary - Lydia Petrie
Treasurer - Alice Kluzak
Currently meeting in Rancho Mirage, CA and on Zoom
Altrusa International of Coachella Valley
Email: altrusacoachella@gmail.com
Website: www.altrusacoachellavalley.org
Location: Coachella Valley, CA
Phone: 949-300-5619
Facebook: Altrusa Coachella Valley