Over the years, Altrusa International, Inc. of Mansfield has initiated, funded or volunteered in many efforts, among them:

• Tools For Schools
• United Way
• Domestic Violence Shelter
• EMPAC
• Harmony House
• Literacy Projects
• United Way of Richland County

Funding for our projects varies, but one of our most successful projects has been selling nuts. Since the early 1980’s we begin our annual Nut Campaign during the August/September timeframe. Our nuts are shipped from Georgia in mid to late November depending on the harvesting of crops. In 2008, we sold over 30 cases or 800 bags of halved pecans, chocolate covered pecans, cashews, and mixed nuts.

The money from fundraisers goes into our Foundation treasury and is then allocated by the Community Service Committee to support Tools for Schools and other community service projects.

Our Tools For Schools Program assists teachers and students in about 20 schools throughout the area. Teachers submit a supply needs list to us which we fill and deliver to them. In 2008, we distributed over 45,000 items to teachers for their classrooms. Over 13,000 of that number were pencils!