From funds for student activities to providing money for preservation of historical materials, the annual grants from the Women's Club of Manheim are ensuring organizations of all types continue to thrive in the community.

The club distributed $15,000 in grant funds to Manheim nonprofit groups in late May, said Lucile Longo, chair of the grants committee. "We disseminate grant applications to prior recipients, post it on our Facebook page and personally reach out to other nonprofits in the area," Longo said, explaining the grant process. Nonprofits apply for the grants starting in January each year, with applications due in May.

"All nonprofit organizations that serve and promote the Manheim area and its surrounding community are welcome to apply," Longo shared, adding that this year's recipients are a standout group. "We feel that all the recipients make great contributions that serve to benefit the Manheim community."

Grant recipients represent education, health, arts, wellness and community enrichment. The Manheim Central Post Prom Committee will offer a safe, substance-free event for students, while Manheim Central School District will continue its weekend food program to combat hunger. Teen Central and the Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania will distribute school supplies and personal care kits to students in need. Additional support went to Baron Run events at Doe Run Elementary; Girls on the Run; and the Manheim Central track and field, varsity cheerleading and field hockey booster clubs for team-building and training programs.

Several recipients will enhance opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities. Aaron's Acres will offer a summer camp scholarship, and Who You Are Events will host a sensory-friendly Santa program. Hope Served, which operates a cafe providing job training for people with disabilities, will expand its operations, while Zion Lutheran Preschool will enhance classroom learning with updated STEM and creative materials.

Wellness and fitness were also key themes. Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community will add new exercise options to help seniors stay active and healthy. Friends of Manheim Wrestling will purchase new equipment and support mental wellness initiatives, and the Baron Run for Fitness will continue its annual event for elementary students.

In arts and literacy, the Manheim Community Library will enhance its Summer Reading Program, and Gretna Music will provide free concert tickets to area residents. The Manheim Historical Society will preserve and digitize valuable local documents and artifacts for public research and education.

Community pride and beautification efforts were also recognized. The Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce will update seasonal banners in the square to enhance the town's appearance. Precious Paws Community Cats will construct a facility to care for and rehome stray cats.

This year's grants reflect the women's club's continued commitment to improving lives and building community through meaningful, grassroots support. From children and families to seniors and animals, the funded projects aim to uplift every corner of the Manheim area. In total, the club awarded grants to 21 nonprofits.

The Women's Club of Manheim members work year-round to raise money for the grants.

"The club has a wonderful group of hard-working, enthusiastic women who organize events and raise funds," Longo stated. "We have a mac and cheese stand at the farm show, bake cookies and sell them at the Christmas tree lighting on the square, recruit local homeowners who generously open their homes the first Sunday in December for our home tour, and a huge purse bingo event with over 200 attendees raises the largest amount of funds."

The club was formed in 1937 and has been a continuous supporter of the Manheim community for 88 years. The objective of the club is to develop the educational, social and civic interests of its members through community service, civic responsibility and friendship, Longo said.

She encouraged women to consider joining the group.

"We are always looking for enthusiastic, dedicated women who want to serve and help the Manheim community," she said. "We are a very welcoming group who enjoy the camaraderie of a wonderful diverse group of women."

To learn more about the Women's Club of Manheim, search for the organization on Facebook.