Soroptimist International of Mariposa recently made a $200 donation to the Mariposa AAUW (American Association of University of Women) Annual Backpack Project.  Mariposa AAUW is once again preparing backpacks filled with school supplies for designated middle school students who need assistance throughout our county.  Last year AAUW donated forty-six backpacks filled with school supplies.  AAUW volunteers work with the schools to determine the necessary school supplies for the packs. The items include the usual supplies such as binders, folders, rulers, pencil sharpeners, markers, highlighters, colored pencils, crayons, and scissors and a backpack or other case to hold them. In recent years, technology support such as flash drives and earbuds have been added.

(Pictured l-r): Soroptimist Board Member Anita Starchman Bryant and AAUW Backpack Project Chairwoman Cathy Owens

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.  In addition to participating in international projects, the Mariposa Club achieves this mission locally by giving scholarships to graduating seniors, presenting monetary awards to women that are the heads of their households seeking further education, and donating funds and services to organizations such as Ethos Youth Center, Manna House, Mountain Crisis and Heritage House. 

For more information about Soroptimist International of Mariposa, contact Karen Verdugo at 209-742-4680, visit us on-line at simariposa.org or find us on Facebook.