The Lampeter-Strasburg Area Woman's Club recently had its first meeting after a two-year hiatus of complete inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After going that long without the club's monthly meetings and its two major fundraisers, Elaine Benner - chairwoman of the club's upcoming Tea With the American Girl Doll event - said she is very excited to get back to helping the community.

According to Benner, the club has been around for more than 50 years and exists for the purpose of giving back to local people, groups, and organizations. Every year, members raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors at Lampeter-Strasburg High School.

On Saturday, April 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Lampeter-Strasburg Area Woman's Club will host its annual Tea With the American Girl Doll fundraiser. The event will take place in the pole barn behind Wesley United Methodist Church (UMC), 40 W. Main St., Strasburg.

Every child who attends will receive a goodie bag, and one child will win American Girl doll Joss Kendrick, Girl of the Year 2020. The tea will be beach-themed because Joss is a surfer, and the event will feature food, refreshments, storytelling, a photo opportunity, a craft where attendees can make and decorate a surfboard for their doll, and giveaway drawings with prizes of doll clothes and furniture. Some of the proceeds from the giveaway drawings will benefit Gina Krouse, one of the founders of Mitzvah Moms, which is a group that creates gift baskets for those who are struggling with their physical or mental health or are experiencing other challenges.

"We have missed doing this event because it's just so much fun to see the girls come in with their dolls and enjoy themselves," said Benner.

Tickets are available for purchase, and children must be accompanied by an adult. To make the event enjoyable for all who attend, Benner noted that there will be some prizes for the mothers as well. To purchase tickets, contact Benner at 717-572-7010 or at lswomansclub@gmail.com.

With more than 20 current members, the Lampeter-Strasburg Area Woman's Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley UMC. The club welcomes new members, and those interested can contact Benner at the aforementioned phone number and email address.

For more information, search for "Lampeter-Strasburg Area Woman's Club" on Facebook.