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IAGDM members support our communities by sponsoring and participating in a number of community events and projects including: Partners in Literacy:
On the local level, IAGDM partners with a local Elementary School in Des Moines. We collect books, new or slightly used, and donate them to the school library annually. The school provides a list of desired book titles and acknowledges our donations. On the national level, IAGDM members participate in the Literacy program chosen by our NAIW National President. In 2005-2006, contributions in units of $30 were made to support President Mahoney’s choice of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This program, created by the non-profit Dollywood Foundation, selects books and sends one each month to participating youngsters until they reach the age of 5. President Gloria Bruno’s choice for the 2006-2007 term is the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries – 2006 Gulf Coast School Library Recovery Initiative. This organization provides funding to replace school library books lost in the devastation of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Mitten Tree:
Mittens, scarves and gloves are collected at one of our fall membership meetings. These items are donated to the Des Moines Public Schools for distribution to students who would otherwise go without these items during the cold weather months. Iowa Public Television Festival Week:
You will see IAGDM members answering telephones and accepting donations during the IPTV Telethon on a Saturday morning in March each year. Food Pantry:
IAGDM supports the local food pantry by having an item drive during one of our spring membership meetings. Lists of desired items are distributed prior to the drive each year. Members bring the items or cash to our regular meeting and our Public Relations Committee takes the donations to an area food pantry. Miscellaneous Activities:
IAGDM will often have speakers who represent charities and community programs such as the Ronald McDonald House, Amanda the Panda (camp for children who have lost family members), Women’s shelters and other community organizations. We make donations to these charities as a thank you for providing speakers.
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