top of page

Community Impact

Promoting Literacy
Little Free Library

Since 1977, literacy has been a core pillar of Altrusa's global and local community projects. Here in Ames, Altrusa of Ames promotes literacy through maintaining a Little Free Library, partnering with Raising Readers, and giving free books to children at the Ames Public Library during the annual downtown trick or treat event.

In 2025, Altrusa of Ames partnered with Raising Readers to maintain a Little Free Library located on the north side of Lloyd Kurtz City Park. Members sign up weekly to tend to the library, check current books in the library, and restock books for all ages.

IMG_6194.JPG
IMG_4404.jpeg
Holiday Home Tour Grants

Every December, on the first Saturday of the month, Altrusa of Ames organizes a Holiday Home Tour. Nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $2,000, with a maximum of five grants awarded each year. The funds from ticket sales for the tour are utilized to support these grants.

ACTORS Grant Distribution 1.2026.jpg
Adopt A Flower Garden

Every summer, Ames Parks and Recreation hosts the “Adopt a Flower Garden” program to promote community engagement in the continuous beautification of parks. Since 1996, Altrusa has been caring for a flower garden located at Inis Grove City Park.

garden.jpg
High School Service Scholarships

In the spring, high school seniors from Story County have the opportunity to apply for a service scholarship. Up to five seniors who have demonstrated exceptional service to their community can be awarded a $500 scholarship.

High School scholarship.jpg
Annual Diaper & Wipes Drive

In March, we organize a community drive for diapers and wipes. Since 2020, we have successfully collected more than 60,000 diapers and wipes to support local pantries.

Diapers sorted for delivery.jpeg
Holiday Giving

In December, our club selects a special bonus service, which involves donations from our members to a nonprofit organization or cause. Some of our past projects include providing Christmas gifts for teens and frozen turkeys for Salvation Army families, donating new baby clothes to programs for new mothers, contributing money and laundry soap for those in need, purchasing gas gift cards for programs supporting new mothers, and Shop With A Cop.

IMG_4849.jpeg
New socks

During our recent membership event, "Socktoberfest," attendees gathered 170 pairs of new socks to donate to Bridge Home, our local homeless shelter, and Martha's House of Hope, a home for new mothers in our community.

IMG_6067.jpeg

"Stronger nonprofits. Stronger communities. Brighter futures."

bottom of page