Tennessee Federation News 10 page 6

What a glorious spring morning this is and how I wish each of you could be here in Washington, D.C. to see the spectacular cherry blossoms in all their splendor. What a sight!

I know many of you are getting ready for your State Conventions and I am certainly looking forward to being able to attend some of them as are all the officers who will "be on the road". This is a wonderful time when we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, and plan for the future. You all have done a splendid job and are to be commended for the great contributions you have made to improve the quality of life for so many.

I am reading reports as they come into my office and I am greatly impressed, all over again, with the creativity and ingenuity of clubwomen all across this country and the determination and dedication with which they tackle any task, great or small.

I have watched on a daily basis the volumes of entries that have come into Headquarters: entries for the Community Improvement Program, Literacy, Safety, Health, NOD (National Organization on Disability), and Photography Contest. No, I do not know who the winners are but I do know that every community where these efforts have been spent is a winner. Again, thank you for your participation and interest.

ALERT! ALERT! Volunteers of America is asking for our monetary assistance in the organization's "Mothers-To-Mothers" Campaign for Afghan Mothers in need of food for their children. The campaign begins this Mother's Day and concludes on July 4th.

As you are well aware, the mothers and children in Afghanistan have been through suffering that defies description. I can think of no gift more meaningful than one that enables a destitute mother to feed her children.

The American Friends Service Committee (Quakers) are in Afghanistan and very much involved in relief efforts. They will take the food directly to the camps and tents where the children are. ALL the money collected will go to purchase food for the mothers and children.

This is a project that is needed NOW! If you or your club would like to help with this effort, please contact Mark Cosman at Volunteers of America at 213-251-7623 or by e-mail at MARK5C@AOL.COM or Babs Condon, GFWC Chairman, Outreach for Children Program, at 410-848-4171, or by e-mail at condon@carr.org

Checks should be made payable to: Volunteers of America of Los Angeles, designated "Mothers to Mothers"-food and mailed to: Volunteers of America, 3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, California 90010-2619.

It does seem that we have had many special projects going but these are extraordinary times and we who are so blessed must continue to stretch just a little further.

"Are we there yet?" Not yet, but almost.... that is to our goal of $2.2 million for Libraries 2000 by June, 2002. Be sure that all your work and that of your club has been reported!

Please visit the GFWC website, www.gfwc.org for the latest information on the International Convention. After next week you will be able to view the entire CALL to Convention and print the GFWC Registration Form. I hope many of you are planning to be in Kansas City!