Everything the Women's Club of Manheim does is intended to support the community, and the organization met that goal recently with the awarding of 17 grants, totaling $15,970.

"Our mission is to develop the educational, social and civic interests of our members through community service, civic responsibility and the friendship of its members," said Lucile Longo, grant committee chair. "We believe our grants serve our mission of supporting the Manheim community."

Grants ranged from $500 to $1,000 and were awarded to a wide variety of community groups. Manheim Central Post Prom committee received a grant to provide food, games and fun in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Love Give Live, doing business as Purr-fect Love, will use grant funds to trap, neuter and return stray cats in the Manheim area. The Manheim Chamber of Commerce plans to use its grant funds to paint a mural on the side of 10 Market Square. Who You Are Events will use grant funds to plan sensory-friendly events in the community. Additional grant recipients this year are Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community, Manheim Athletic Association, Friends of Manheim Wrestling, Manheim Community Library, Gretna Music, Baron Run for Fitness, Baron Breakfast, Manheim Central School District, Aaron's Acres, Manheim Central Golf Booster Club, Zion Lutheran Preschool, Hope Served and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The Women's Club of Manheim holds fundraisers throughout the year to support the grants. Events include bingo, a cookie sale at Christmastime and the Manheim Holiday Tour of Homes. The group also runs a stand at the Manheim Community Farm Show, selling macaroni and cheese and drinks.

"We have a membership of about 40 women who live in Manheim or the surrounding community," Longo said. "We also look for members who have ties to the community through their business, job or family. We are always looking for members to support those ideals. In addition to the ideals, we love the camaraderie and friendship we find in our club."

For more information on the Women's Club of Manheim, search for the organization on Facebook.