Altrusa International of Ames, Inc.
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What are we doing now?
Active in Altrusa International District Seven
Altrusa of Ames is part of Altrusa International District Seven, which includes clubs from seven central states. We are proud to have one of our members, Deanna Sargent, currently serving as Governor of District Seven. We are also proud of the many members who take active leadership roles within the District and participate in the annual conference.
In May, two delegates, along with the Governor, Parliamentarian, and Secretary, attended the District Seven Conference in Wisconsin. During the conference, Altrusa of Ames received recognition for outstanding community service for our Little Free Library project and was also recognized for the continued growth and addition of new members to our club.
High School Service Scholarships
In May, Altrusa of Ames awarded five $500 scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrated outstanding community service throughout their high school careers. Applications were received from many deserving seniors across Story County, and five exceptional students were selected to receive scholarships in recognition of their dedication and service to their community.
Planting Community Garden
Altrusa of Ames is dedicated to enhancing the beauty of the Ames Community this summer. Since 1996, our organization has annually planted flowers at Inis Grove Park, persevering through challenges posed by insects, deer, rabbits, and other wildlife that threaten our plantings. Each year, we strive to perfect the selection of flora that will thrive throughout the summer and maintain their vibrancy into the fall season. Our garden was planted in mid May.
Our Diaper & Wipes Drive!
Each spring, Altrusa of Ames sponsors a drive to restock our local pantries with diapers and wipes. We collected 6,604 diapers and 8,497 wipes from club members and community during March 2026. Thank you to The Shops at Clark & Main for being a community drop off point for donations. Diapers were distributed to five local pantries and homes for mothers.
Our Newest Members
Over the past couple of months, Altrusa of Ames has welcomed not one, not two, but four new community-minded members who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community! These individuals have already demonstrated their commitment to service and leadership, and we're thrilled to have them on board. We're excited to see the unique skills and perspectives they'll bring to our organization and the difference they'll make in the lives of those around them.
Holiday Home Tour Grant Recipients
At our January meeting, we awarded five $2,000 grants from our successful 2025 Holiday Home Tour ticket sales. Five generous homeowners opened their decorated homes for all to enjoy. All proceeds from ticket sales was divided among five local grant recipients:
Ames Community Theater-ACTORS
Cultivating Hope Farms
Food At First
Legal Aid Society of Story County
University Community Childcare
Altrusa of Ames is committed to supporting our local nonprofits so they can continue work that improves the Ames community.
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Our busy December!
Altrusa of Ames was all work and all play in December. We hosted the Ames community’s 35th Annual Holiday Home Tour, raising enough funds to fully support grant requests for five Story County nonprofit agencies. In addition, we held our monthly business meeting and took time to celebrate the success of the Home Tour. We wrapped up the month with a festive cookie exchange among club members. It was a busy but rewarding December—one that allowed us to set and accomplish meaningful community service goals while also enjoying time together as a club.
Building Friendships
Our Membership Committee organizes monthly get togethers where we gather to laugh, connect, and lift each other higher-building real friendships that inspire. We support local businesses by meeting in a variety of locations around town. This photo was taken at our February gathering.
Holiday Giving
Spreading joy and hope this holiday season, Altrusa of Ames extended our support for those in need in our community. We donated to our Ames Police program, "Shop With A Cop" plus donated 170 pairs of socks to the Bridge Home (adult socks for homeless support) and Martha's House of Hope (infant and children socks for expectant and new mothers). Pictured are our Membership Committee Co-Chairs, delivering socks to the separate homes.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."