The East Peoria Woman’s Club (GFWC), founded in 1934, remains very active. Their first major achievement was establishing East Peoria’s first library in 1935, now the Fondulac Library, and for over 90 years, the club has continued its community service mission. The club’s service programs are diverse. Here’s a summary of their activities for 2024, marking their 90th year.

Last March the Education Committee initiated the selection process for the GFWC East Peoria Woman’s Club scholarship dedicated to Community Service. Seniors at East Peoria High School are invited to submit applications for educational financial assistance. This scholarship is awarded in memory of member Peg Bahnfleth, who generously bequeathed the funds for the annual scholarship. Last year’s recipients were Brooklin Herrin, Kelsey Koch, Ava Metternich, and Kaylee Orton. 

In Spring they also had the annual Junior High, Robein, and High School Art Show. The works submitted by students are displayed in the City Hall Lobby for public viewing. They are judged by area art teacher and Zentangle Art instructor, Sue Dion. Monetary prizes were awarded at a reception for students and their parents. This year’s exhibit will be from April 21 to April 26. Please come and see the creations of our local students.

The club provides support for the Library with their Summer Reading Program. Last June they contributed with a financial donation and promotional activity for Dolly Parton’s “Imagination Library,” which encourages a love of reading by providing free books to children from birth to age 5. The club also supports the library’s book drive for its annual book sale, its major fundraiser.

In July, the club collected, purchased and distributed school supplies for East Peoria grade schools through the library.

In September, the club contributed to the East Peoria Food Pantry and Snak Pak program and supported UNICEF’s ‘Shot For Life’ for global child immunizations.

October meant ‘Socktober,’ beginning the sock drive in which they collected 500 pairs of socks for the Center for Prevention of Abuse.

In November, club members took part in the East Peoria Veterans’ Day parade, assisted by Mr. Roger Roemer and his family. They all enjoyed waving and tossing candy. The members also wrote Christmas cards to our troops to be mailed by the library. 

And each year, club members usher at East Light Theater productions. 

Monthly meetings feature educational speakers.

This group welcomes women from all backgrounds and from all areas of the community to meet for fellowship and contribute, serve, and improve their community. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month from March to December, at the First United Methodist Church, 154 E. Washington St. in East Peoria. Find them on Facebook at East Peoria Woman’s Club.