Junior Women's Club Supports Help to Others (H2O)

Lakewood's Junior Women's Club (JWCL) continued its support of the City of Lakewood's H2O (Help to Others) program with a donation of $2,000, as Margaret Wetzler, president of JWCL, presented a check to Celia Dorsch, director of H2O, at the End of Summer party on August 12. JWCL is a long-time supporter of H2O, and has committed to an annual contribution to the group since 2007.

The H2O End of Summer party celebrated the accomplishments of more than 200 campers, leaders, volunteers and speakers who participated in this year's program, and recognized partnerships with local civic organizations and service agencies.  

According to Ms. Wetzler, JWCL is proud to support the work of H2O because its mission so closely mirrors that of the Junior Women's Club: to provide a philanthropic organization for women who are interested in serving their community while enjoying programming and social events geared toward fun and friendship. H2O Summer Camp is a service learning program for middle and high school students dedicated to strengthening and enriching the community by engaging its young people as community builders. It was evident from the campers who spoke on behalf of the group that they learned that there isn't a dichotomy between fun and service; you can smile, laugh and goof around while also serving your community and helping those in need.

In addition to monetary support of H2O, JWCL "gifted" its long-standing Breakfast with the Bunny program to H2O in 2010. The breakfast, held at Lakewood Park's Woman's Pavilion before Easter, has become an annual tradition for many families and features a visit from the Easter Bunny. With the help of JWCL members, the program was transitioned to H2O and the well-known event will continue to welcome families and serve the community.

JWCL has served the Lakewood community since 1962, by awarding college scholarships to Lakewood women, providing holiday food baskets for Lakewood families in need, financially supporting Lakewood non-profits, and actively participating in the Lakewood Arts Festival, the Lakewood Historical Society's Tour of Homes and the Mayor's Ball. In addition to H2O, JWCL will provide financial support for Live Well Lakewood and Joyful Noise in 2010-11.

For information on membership, please email lakewoodjuniors@gmail.com.