The Little Club finds big ways to make a difference

They call themselves The Little Club, with good reason. Their membership numbers between 15 and 20.

For a little club, though, they do big deeds.

The mission statement reads, in part, "The Little Club was established for the purpose of supporting the needs of the community and its charities." The members pay nominal dues, and the group has fund-raisers to achieve the charity goals.

According to Jon Fagin of Surprise, the group’s president, The Little Club donated $2,200 last year to various charities and to help three families in need.

Some of the organizations that have benefited from the club’s donations are Eve’s Place, Salvation Army Christmas Tree, U.S. Veterans Initiative and American Indian Education. Members also support St. Jude’s Research, American Cancer Society and Westside Food Bank. If members know of a person or organization the group might be able to help, they bring it to the membership for discussion and vote.

The group formed in 2006. Most belonged to the Surprise Elks Club and worked on the Elks community service committee. Members live in the West Valley, from north Phoenix to Sun City and Peoria to Surprise. Six club members are still in the work force.

The club also is a social group. The monthly meetings take place after a potluck dinner. Members take turns hosting the monthly meeting.

"We have adopted a single mother, who is disabled and can’t work, and her five children," said Brenda Parker of Sun City Grand. "She left an abusive situation.

"Every month we give her grocery help. We used to buy groceries and deliver them, but now we buy gift cards from the grocery stores and give her those. And quarterly, we give them a meat donation," Parker said.

The group also gives a birthday card and small gift to each child. They provide Christmas for the family as well, from presents to the holiday meal. They also managed to purchase a used car using money raised by member pledges.

The group has made veterans a special cause as well, donating Christmas gifts and considering a donation to future veterans housing. Donations of school supplies are a regular activity, too.

Club members pore over local newspapers, including the Daily News-Sun and its weekly publications, for opportunities to help.

"Sometimes we’ll see something on TV and look into the story and see if there’s a way we can help," said Doris Fagin.

Garage sales are a popular fund-raiser, giving The Little Club members an opportunity to socialize and raise money at the same time. The group has planned a garage sale for Oct. 31, beginning at 7 a.m., at 8827 W. Betty Elyse Lane in Peoria.

For information about membership in The Little Club or the upcoming garage sale, call Jon Fagin at 623-810-3447 or e-mail him at azm689@hotmail.com.

Claudia Sherrill may be reached at csherrill@yourwestvalley.com or 623-876-2511.

LITTLE CLUB GARAGE SALE