The Chapin Woman's Club mission statement includes "working for a better community and meeting the needs of our local area".  Recently, the women of Chapin Woman's Club honored that statement by voting unanimously to honor a request from Chapin Branch Library for $1000 to purchase books on CDs. 

"Thank you all so much for the $1,000 donation", said Patricia Mauldin, Chapin Branch Library librarian.  "Book CDs are the most expensive item purchased at libraries.  It seems that DVDs/movies would be more expensive, but books on CD are much more expensive, especially when we wish to have the full, unabridged version of the book.  Chapin Branch Library patrons have let the library know they prefer the full and unabridged version.  When books are condensed, they can lose the entire meaning and tone of the story", Ms. Mauldin continued.

Chapin Woman's Club Members (left to right) Suzanne Carswell,

Mary Brennan, Lyn Long, Mary Sandifer, Chapin Branch Library

Librarian Patricia Mauldin, CWC Member Patsy Grimes

Chapin Woman's Club member, Patsy Grimes, was the point person on this request in working with the Library.  "Working with Patsy was a joy.  She is a wonderful person and I am thrilled with her interest and concern for the Chapin Branch Library", said Ms. Mauldin.  

"Libraries are an invaluable resource for every community and Chapin Woman's Club is happy to support the Chapin Library in order to ensure its continuing ability to provide information and materials to the citizens of Chapin", said Carol Nelson, President of Chapin Woman's Club.   Chapin Woman's Club funds support of the local community primarily through two major fundraisers, the Flamingo Fling in the spring and Pecan sales in the fall.

The Chapin Woman’s Club and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs – South Carolina have awarded a $1000 Progress Grant to Chapin High School for the purpose of optimizing student achievement through utilization of current technology.  Chapin Woman’s Club member, Mary Brennan, presented the Progress Grant to Chapin High School Principal, Akil Ross on Friday, February 18, 2011.

When Diana Powers found out We Care's need for non-perishable food was so great that they were reducing the amount of food they give each family, she knew what to do.  As a member of the Chapin Woman's Club, she immediately took We Care's need to the Club and asked for help. 

"The Chapin Woman's Club provides a lot of support to the Chapin community, and I knew they would help," said Ms. Powers.  And help they did, in the form of an immediate $1,000 donation to We Care for the purchase of non-perishable food items.

Chapin Woman's Club Members Bert Modine and Karen Weaver (front row, knealing), Hilda Ware, Patsy Grimes, Mary Sandifer, Carolynn Robbins, Emma Nelson, Lyn Long and Sue Casebeer present $1,000 check to We Care Board and volunteers Janet Marshall, San Spencer, Cec Calcaterra and Renee Bennett

"This just means so much to us," said We Care Board President Cec Calcaterra.  "We've had an increase in requests, so much that we're giving out almost 3,000 more pounds of food each month than we are taking in."  Dan Spencer, Board Treasurer and volunteer echoed Ms. Calcaterra's comments and added, "The summer months are always the hardest because the kids aren't in school, so they don't get meals there.  If we can't provide food, some of these children may not have anything to eat at all.  That's why we decided to reduce the amount given to each family, so that every family would continue to receive food, even if it is less."

Since January, We Care has received 23,448 pounds of non-perishable food, but distributed 34,261 pounds to an average of 204 families monthly.  That compares to 170 families in the same period last year.  Of greater concern is that in the last two months the negative trend (demand up, donations down) has accelerated; almost 3,700 more pounds of food is going out than being donated each month.

When asked why the increase in demand, We Care volunteer Janet Marshall offered, "I think it's the economy.  A lot of jobs have been eliminated or hours cut so much that these families just can't make it.  We've also seen a number of people moving into our community because they've lost their homes, and are moving in with family members until they get back on their feet."

Whatever the reason, demand is up and donations are down.  "Food drives this year just haven't been as successful as they were a year ago," said Ms. Calcaterra. 

But the volunteers of We Care are, as always, full of optimism and hope for the future.  "We're hoping that the churches that offer vacation bible school will do a food drive along with their program.  That's really what got us through last summer," said Ms. Marshall.

The Chapin Woman's Club donation will allow We Care to continue providing non-perishable food at the same level for at least awhile, but they need more donations if they are to continue providing food throughout the summer.  There is a severe, immediate need for non-perishable (canned) food and fans.  Donations may be made to We Care, PO Box 491, Chapin 29036 or delivered to the center on Highway 76, just west of Chapin, on any Wednesday between 9am-12:30pm.