COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEES AND NEEDS
The Women of Sugarmill Woods are actively involved in helping many charitable organizations throughout the community. This page gives an overview of some of the charitable committees within our organization. If you have a heart for helping others, please read on. Vicki Leitzinger, 382-2906, Community Services Director
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Year-Round Projects:
Blessings in a Backpack: In 2009, Citrus County Harvest started a 35-week pilot project called "Blessings in a Backpack" at Hernando Elementary School. With help from the community, this grass roots approach to ending child hunger has had great success. The purpose of this program is to ensure that "food" insecure" children would have nourishing meals on the weekends (while not in school). The first fifty children recived six meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the weekend. After the first fully year, studndents participating in the program saw gains of over 25% in the areas of schools participating in this programand 11 more in Citrus County who would benefit from this. The Women of Sugarmill Woods have a team who volunteer every month to help fill the food backpacks. We would love for more ladies, who can spare a little time to join us for this wonderful community services. Contact Vicki Leitzinger, (382-2906)
We Care Food Pantry: We Care Volunteers help feed those in our community who are below poverty level. Help is needed to pick up donated food, distribute food, and work at the Food Pantry to prepare for distribution day, and sort the food at the food bank. Clerical help is also needed. Spouses & Friends are welcome. Contact Connie Howell (503-7402)
CASA - (Citrus Abuse Shelter Association): CASA is a non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence. They offer shelter and out reach services. CASA services are free of charge. These services includ 24 hr. hotline, individual counseling, women's support group, relocation program, advocacy and safety program, counrt advocacy,community referral, public education and training. Contact Carol Brady (382-1420)
Sugarmill Manor Assisted Living Facility: Members of this Committee help residents of Sugarmill Manor by providing monthly Bingo Parties on the 3rd Monday of each month complete with Prizes & Decorations. They are always seeking volunteers and/or prizes for their bingo parties. Whether it is once, or on an ongoing basis, they need your help. Contact: Edna Pirmann (628-3362), Anita Turska (383-7195) or Penny Jones (383-1581)
Camp E Nini Hassee (means "Her Sunny Road" in the Muskogee Creek language): This special camp was established here in Floral City, FL in 1969 by Jack adn Ruth Eckerd to provide an opportunity for troubled teenage girls. Currently there are 60 young ladies at the facility. Camp E Nini Hassee has been in existence for 43 years enriching the lives of young women. The years of experience and knowledge or the leadership has enabled the recidivism rate to be maintained at 86%. This means that 86% of the girls do not reoffend or require juvenile justice intervention when they return to the community. Contact Sandy Partin (382-2567)
Jessie's Place - makes a difference in our community by helping each and every child who has been physically or sexually abused, feel like a child again. Before the establishment of Jessie's Place, the services an abused and/or neglected child received were limited at best. The children recieve expedited care in a safe setting and are spared the time, trauma and inconvenienc of traveling to multiple locations. As a non-profit, this organizaiton relies on the generosity of volunteers for fund raising events, donations of services and/or materials, or by simply spreading the word about this incredible community service. Contact Carol Anier (382-2816)
The PATH - is a faith-based shelter and rescue mission committed to the needs of the homeless in Citrus County. The organization provides a structured, nuturing living environment for anyone (regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or creed) in Citrus County who find themselves without a home for any reason. PATH maintains two houses for sheltering men, and a house for women, fully equipped with bedrooms, a bath a laundry, kitchen and common living areas. They are always in need of products to maintain these homes. The WSW supports this gorup through your ongoing donations and support through activities such as Military card parties, Nutcracker Stroll, and otehr fund raising efforts through the year. Contact Vicki Leitzinger, 382-2906
Homosassa Public Libray: provides access to quality information, resource and services to enrich the lives of all the people in our community. The WSW supports this gorup through your ongoing donations and support through activities such as Military card parties, Nutcracker Stroll, and otehr fund raising efforts through the year. Contact Vicki Leitzinger, 382-2906
Lending Closet: Members have a variety of items available to them when company comes or medical needs arises. Included in the "Closet" are infant & Childrens's Equipment such as Car Seats, High Chairs, Strollers, Pack-N-Play Cribs & more. Items include: 24-cup coffee pot, air mattresses, folding tables, chairs and mroe. Medical equipment, such as walkers, crutches, canes, commodes and more is also available. if you have items to loan, room for storage or need to borrow something, contact Barbara Turska (382-2623)
SEASONAL PROJECTS
Sugarmill Manor SING-A-LONG: In Mid December, the Nursing Home Committee hosts a Sing-A-Long for Sugarmill Manor Residents. The committee also accepts donations towards Beauty Shop & Barger shop gift certificates. Contact Edna Pirmann (628-3362), Anita Turska (382-7195) or Penny Jones (382-1581)
HOSPICE Tree of Rememberence: Many of our members volunteer in November and December at the Hospice Tree of Rememberence at the Crystal River Mall. The tree represents an occasion to honor loved ones. Contact Joan Gullett (382-8802), Sandra Benko (382-2469)
Salvation Army Angel Tree: obtains the names of needy children from Homosassa and Homosassa Springs along with their "Wish List" for toys & clothing. Participants "adopt" a child to shop for by choosing an angel from the Angel Tree. Contact Janel Mark (382-3078)
Holiday Craft Creations Day: We encourage all members of WSW to get your creative talents flowing and join Cora Zieglar and Vicki Leitzinger for a fund day of creating Christmas decorations, which are donated to the WSW for our sielnt auction at the Christmas luncheon. This day has been very successful in helping to raise money for our yearly charities. Please enjoy all the fun sign up to work with us. Contact Cora Zieglar (586-8021), Vicki Leitzinger (382-2906)
