A $5,000 library donation, 125 backpacks for local students and thousands of dollars directed toward food programs are among the ways the La Mesa Woman’s Club is marking its 125th anniversary.
Since launching its anniversary year in May, the club has supported veterans, children, families and community organizations, with more projects planned through May 2027.
The year got underway with a $5,000 donation to the Friends of the La Mesa Library, supporting the organization while marking the club’s milestone year.
In June, club members joined La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, distributing American flags and candy along the route.
July brought a focus on veterans and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Members presented a historic American flag to the La Mesa Veterans Club during a celebration featuring a color guard from the Young Marines. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of La Mesa helped sponsor an ice cream social.
The club turned its attention to local students in August, donating 125 filled backpacks to Bancroft Elementary. The number was chosen to match the organization’s 125th anniversary.
September brought another effort aimed at families. Working with community partners, members collected food donations for the pantry at Kempton Literacy Academy, which provides food for students and their families.
The club also contributed $1,750 each to Feeding San Diego and Feeding the Flock, for a combined $3,500 to help address food insecurity.
The anniversary projects will continue in October, when the club plans a special presentation to the Grossmont Hospital Foundation honoring those who ring the bell at the David & Donna Long Cancer Center.
The Woman’s Club traces its beginnings to 1902, when 11 La Mesa women formed the organization. Instead of concentrating its 125th anniversary on one large event, the club has spread the celebration across a year of community projects and activities.
The anniversary year is scheduled to conclude with a May 2027 celebration recognizing the club’s history and the organizations, community partners and sponsors involved throughout the year. Final charitable donations also are expected to be announced at the event.
