Community Service and Hands-On Projects 

Saturday of Service

Saturday of Service is the opportunity for Soroptimists from all over the world to join together on one day to carry out service projects that improve the lives of women and girls. It is a unique opportunity to raise awareness about Soroptimist as an international organization of women helping women.

Clubs undertake service projects year round, but having clubs participating in one event all over the world on the same day can help to raise public awareness about Soroptimist. This annual event, held on the first Saturday in March, was conceived of and executed by nine SIA clubs in the Phoenix area of Arizona, USA, in 2002.   In 2003, more than 100 clubs participated worldwide. And from 2004 to date, the numbers have increased dramatically as the idea was shared around the globe.

2010 SOS Event Powerpoint

International Goodwill & Understanding

SI Phoenix has adopted a long term project with the town of Fronteras, Sonora, Mexico.  We have partnered with the Las Chicas Bravas, a grass root organization of women citizens, that have organized to work on stimulating ecomonic and social development in the region.  Read more about the Las Chicas Bravas.  Read more about the SI Phoenix long term project.

SI Phoenix continues to fund scholarships for the fall and spring semesters that will permit ten girls in Fronteras, Sonora, Mexico to attend high school.  

Long Term Project - Wilson School District

A Cosmic Bowling fund raiser was held on August 8, 2008 to benefit Wilson School.  Over $2000 were raised in a fun-filled evening.  Click on the Wilson school - Thank You's from the kids.

Backpacks full of school supplies have been assembled and delivered by the members.  The first delivery was made on August 28, 2008.  In addition, many hundreds of dollars in gift cards have been collected and distributed.

Background information on Wilson School District

• 90% Hispanic Student Population
• 55% English Learners
• 25% Homeless
• 95% of students qualify for free or reduced priced lunches
• one of the poorest school districts in the State
• Students are now achieveing better than State averages
• The schools have a rigorous curriculum, dedicated staff, and a community focus
• Each student has an individual computer at school
• Success is supported by the family concept
• Class sizes range between 26 - 30 students

Current Needs

• Purchase curriculum for smart labs
• Books
• Converting the playground to a safer place for the coomunity
• New testing program
• Partnership for glasses
• Uniforms
• Backpacks
• Kids Closet
• Volunteers for tutoring, mentoring, Guest Speakers, Teachers for elective courses, and assisting parents with parenting skills.

Every year, the Salvation Army takes on the massive project of providing Christmas gifts for children around the Valley who otherwise would have none.  For weeks ahead of time, the needs and wishes of less-advantaged children are recorded on Angel Tree Gift Tags.  These tags are then hung on Christmas trees at various malls, where shoppers "adopt" one or more.

SI Phoenix members volunteer to staff tables at the malls where they oversee the "tag adoption" process, and receive the gifts purchased for each child.  To be a volunteer for the 2008 season, please contact Mary Ellen Dunn.