The end of an era: Service club votes to dissolve on July 14

Y SERVICE CLUB

By Maureen Habel

LW Contributor

President of the Y Service Club of Leisure World Dianne Hart reported that the club’s board of directors voted unanimously to dissolve the long-standing organization on July 14. Despite recruitment efforts, the club has been unable to attract enough younger and able-bodied volunteers to carry out its mission. Although service clubs have long been recognized as a vital part of community life, participation in such activities has been steadily declining nationally.

SERVICE CLUB, page 17

The Y Service Club has decided to dissolve. For nearly four decades, the Y Service Club has helped thousands of residents with common non-professional tasks they are no longer able to do independently and safely. The goals of the club were twofold: to provide direct voluntary service to shareholders on request; and to financially contribute to local YMCA projects focused on youth programs. To accomplish their fundraising goal, Club members sponsored wonderful pancake breakfasts, organized monster rummage sales, and most recently conducted trivia contests that attracted many enthusiastic participants. Voluntary donations for services were also used to support YMCA projects.

The club’s service request phone numbers have been removed from the LW Weekly.

Remaining club funds will go to support local YMCA programs. Those wishing to contribute to youth programs can do so by contacting local YMCA organizations.

The club thanks Leisure World residents for their generous support through the years and encourages all residents to continue to help their neighbors where they see a need.