Vernon Woman's Club supports developmentally challenged woman

Vernon - The GFWC Vernon Township Woman’s Club has continued its 12-year tradition of sending birthday gifts to a long-term resident of the Vineland Development Center, which supports more than 600 developmentally challenged women, most of whom have no family support. “We were immediately matched with a resident named ‘Margaret’ and we have treasured our relationship with her ever since,” said VTWC President Gloria Sammis. Each year, the club sends Christmas and birthday gifts to Margaret. “We helped her celebrate her 59th birthday on Aug. 20 with gifts of clothing and art supplies,” Sammis said. All of Margaret’s gifts are personally purchased by club members who take her style and interests into account. Members volunteer every month to maintain contact with her through notes, trinkets or small gifts, and some women send postcards from their vacation destinations. While Margaret reads at a third grade level, she enjoys receiving cards and letters in the mail. The club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (September through June) at 7 p.m. in the Vernon Senior Center. For information, call 973-764-4609 or visit www.freewebs.com/vtwc.