LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Women’s Civic Club was established in March 1921 and has been serving the community for 97 years working to identify and fulfill community needs.

In its early years, LWCC held bake sales, canned vegetables and held socials, raising funds to plant the first shrubs in Library Park, install the first wooden street signs along Main Street and the first barbeque pit in Library Park, serve the first school lunches in the county and purchase books for the library.

During World War II, the ladies grew “victory gardens,” knitted socks and rolled bandages for the soldiers.

Fast forward to 2006, $10,000 was donated to the Westside Community Park project, totaling over $20,000 the club has donated to this development.

The Victim Witness Program of Lake County was given $10,000 in 2008 to buy its silent heating and cooling unit for the new interview center.

In 2012 $10,000 was given to the Lake Community Pride Foundation for the Teen Safe House in Clearlake which provides services for at-risk youth.

At the June meeting in 2014 LWCC gave $10,000 each to the Friends of the Library and the Veterans Honor Guard.

During the September meeting in 2015 the ladies voted to give $10,000 to the Lake County Fire Relief Fund.

These donations were all made possible by the accrued interest on the certificate of deposit from the sale of the LWCC clubhouse.

After reading an article in Woman’s Day magazine about the need for knitted or crocheted hats for newborns (it has been established that 70 percent of newborns in Third World countries are lost because of lack of body heat) the group checked with Sutter Lakeside Hospital and discovered they provide hats to all newborns and were delighted to have LWCC’s support.

The club also provides hand-sewn walker bags to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for distribution to those needing a walker on release from the hospital.

Again, an article indicating that a major portion of second accidents for those with broken hips, legs, ankles or joint replacements were caused by the individual trying to manage a walker while carrying their phone, water bottle, etc., generated the group’s desire to supply this aid to our community.

In the past the club has donated to Habitat for Humanity, Renaissance Court School, Meals on Wheels, the women’s shelter in Kelseyville, as well as Redwood Children’s Services, KPFZ public radio, Sponsoring Survivorship and the SPCA of Clearlake.

Every month the ladies bring canned goods for the Lake County Hunger Task Force. Each December the club buys toys for the Lakeport Fire Protection District to disperse to underprivileged children. The club also contributes to the Record Bee’s Food Basket program in memory of members that have passed away.

LWCC also donates to the United Veterans Council Military Funeral Honors Team and to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2015.

The club will award two scholarships of $1,000 each for two students pursuing vocational education next June, as well as donating to Northlake Adult Day Care in Lucerne.

LWCC meets monthly on the first Friday, except July and August; at these gatherings they have a short business meeting, lunch and a guest speaker.

At the monthly meetings members also bring canned goods which are donated to various food banks around Lake County.

LWCC has fundraisers throughout the year. In November the club hosts a craft fair and its major fundraiser is the Mad Hatter Luncheon and Fashion Show in April. They hope to see you at these events.

If you have any questions about the Lakeport Women’s Civic Club call President Clare Stenge at 707-277-0972.