Due in part to some generous donations over the past few years, the Sequoia Stamp club finds itself in a strong financial position. A committee was formed to recommend how we might share some of our good fortune with others. Guidelines used by the committee were to focus on local charitable efforts and to give to organizations that support philately. At its meeting in November, the Governing Board voted to make the following donations:
- Samaritan House to help local people struggling with homelessness and hunger. $400
- St. Anthony’s Dining Room to help the needy and feed the hungry in the RWC area $300
- Community Activities Building at Red Morton Park for purchase of new equipment $250
- Redwood City Library Foundation for the Early Childhood Learning Center. $200
- Lucile Packard Children’s Fund for medical care for children & expectant mothers $200
- Homework Central for tutoring and guidance for at-risk elementary school students $100
- APS Stamps Teach program to provide philatelic educational materials to schools. $200
- Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum’s Fund for Innovation and Excellence. $200
The Board also approved contributing up to $300 to PENPEX to encourage attendance at the Awards Banquet. $275 was authorized to purchase 10 tickets for the Masterworks Choral performance of Man of La Mancha in May. The tickets were then put up as raffle prizes for members attending the Holiday Party in Dec. The Board previously approved a $500 scholarship to a Sequoia High School graduate in June, 2016. The award will be presented to a student who has been involved in stamp collecting or other similar hobby. The selected applicant will attend a meeting of the Stamp Club and speak to our members about how his or her hobby has enriched their life. As well as offering members philatelic and social enjoyment, it is nice to know that the SSC is also active in support of our local community.