With a commitment to supporting the community, the Women's Club of Manheim distributes thousands of dollars in grants each year to nonprofits serving the Manheim area. This year, grant applications have been given to 28 organizations, and after club members vote, selected nonprofits will receive grants of up to $1,000.

"We started giving grants in 2015 and have given almost $75,000 to date," shared Lucile Longo, grant chair for the Women's Club of Manheim. Last year, the club awarded $15,000 to groups including the Manheim Community Library, which used the funds for summer and other reading programs; Manheim Central School District, which used the grant to support its food-on-the-weekends program; Zion Lutheran Preschool, which added and updated classrooms to enhance learning opportunities; and Teen Central, which used the money to support its backpack program for more than 150 students.

"There are many other examples of worthy nonprofits who benefit from the grants," Longo said. "We would encourage all nonprofits who support the Manheim community to apply for the grants."

Providing the grants matters to the club members, she said.

"It is important to us to promote our mission, which is to develop educational, social and civic interests through community service," Longo explained. "We are committed to the Manheim community."

The club holds a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the grant program, including running a macaroni and cheese stand at the Manheim Farm Show, selling home-baked cookies at Christmas, organizing a holiday home tour and holding a purse bingo event.

"The money that is raised at our events is due to the hard work and contributions of our members, as well as the generosity of the business community in Manheim and the surrounding area," Longo remarked. "We award scholarships to Manheim Central female graduates, secret Santa presents, recognize a girl of the month from the high school and support other community events."

She noted that the Women's Club of Manheim is always looking for new members.

"We promote civic responsibility. We have great events, a fun and friendly membership, book club for the members, game nights and awesome camaraderie. It is a wonderful group of women," she said. "You will make new friends, feel good about what you are doing for your community, and you will also have great opportunities to serve."

Grant applications are still being accepted and are due by Friday, March 27. For more information, contact Longo at lucylongo@msn.com or visit the Women's Club of Manheim Facebook page. Winning grants will be announced by Friday, May 1.