From staff reports
The major service project of the Winnifred Tonkin Guild is drawing to a close in Venango County, and members are asking for additional donations from residents in the area.
Local directors of the non-profit organization are contacting current contributors as well as new donors in an effort to collect new garments for distribution to local residents. Monetary contributions are also encouraged to purchase items.
All contributions are due by Wednesday.
The chapter’s purpose as proposed during its inception was “to benefit the sick, the poor and the needy.” The initial in-gathering, one that consisted of all hand-made clothing, was held in rooms above the former Cribb’s Store on the city’s South Side.
It is now a branch of the National Giving Alliance, previously known as the Needlework Guild of America. The mission for the local group, though, remains the same.
‘One to wear, one to wash’
The organization provides new clothing, household linens and toiletries to those local residents who are in need and are registered with one of several local organizations. Collected items are distributed to families in the immediate vicinity.
The local agencies distributing items this year are the Salvation Army in Franklin and Oil City, Community Services, American Red Cross and the Family Service and Children’s Aid Society.
In addition, a pilot shoe program has been developed to benefit children up to fourth grade in the Oil City Area School District.
The all-volunteer guild is comprised of 19 directors whose sole function is to sign up a minimum of 10 donors, collect the donated new clothing and pack them up for delivery to the distributing agencies. The collection is done every fall.
While other organizations collect used clothing for distribution, the Winnifred Tonkin Guild is unique in that it collects only new garments. A minimum of two garments of the same type constitutes a donation from a contributor who is advised that the dual purchase is based on a “one to wear, one to wash” premise.
All types of clothing are accepted as well as bed linens, blankets, towels and disposable diapers. In addition, personal care items such as shampoo and soap are needed.
Maureen James serves as guild president. Other officers are Wendy Thompson, vice president; Gail Welch, treasurer; and Linda Skuse, secretary.
The directors include Mary Joyce Anderton, Diane Crawford, Barb Crudo, Anita Eberle, Barbara English, Kay Ensle, Kathy Exley, Pamela Forker, Peachie Hess, Sallie Johnson, Linda Morrison, Lisa Siembida, Nancy Stover, Connie Todhunter and Carol Williams.
Donations aside from the directors’ contributors may be made by calling (814) 673-0636, (814) 657-3699 or (814) 432-4707.
