Community service programs
Arts & Culture
We support and attend local art, music and drama programs, including the ballet, the Arts Walks, and the Olympia Symphony. We send greeting cards to residents of Fieldstone and Roo Lan at Thanksgiving and Christmas, so all the residents have cards for the holidays.
Historic preservation
Abigail Stuart House
The Woman's Club of Olympia archives
Our greatest efforts go into maintaining our historical clubhouse, the Abigail Stuart House. Members built this beautiful building in 1907 and have maintained it ever since. The Abigail Stuart House is on the National Historical Registry. It costs over $30,000 to pay for insurance, maintenance, and taxes. We wish to keep this clubhouse for The Woman’s Club of Olympia for many years to come.It takes the efforts of all our members to participate in every aspect of this endeavor.
We fundraise and we rent out the facility to cover costs. We problem-solve as issues arise and we find solutions. It is an honor to have a clubhouse in our care. Fundraising is essential and lots of effort goes into planning these events include a Holiday Bazaar, Pancakes with Santa, participation in Give Local, and art classes given by members. Members of the public are invited, and fun is enjoyed by all.
Our final area of focus is Woman’s History. We have many historical photographs of our founding members which have been digitized, framed, and labeled for all members and guests to enjoy at our clubhouse. We have a team who work hard to preserve our history by keeping our archives in order. We have so much history to share in our 140 years of existence as a club. We are proud of our heritage.
Civic engagement & outreach
We collect socks and school supplies for The Little Red School House each year. In 2023, we donated 680 pairs. Over 3,000 school-age children benefitted from the socks and school supplies that were collected during this drive.
We work closely with Quixote Communities, as one of our members is a board member. We keep abreast of the successes and the needs these villages provide. Members donate financially and they donate needed supplies.
Our period day collection is organized by our Evening Group Members. Period products are collected from the front porch of our clubhouse. The event extends through October.
The Thurston County Food Bank is also a focus of our volunteer efforts. We donate food, funds and service.
Education & Libraries
ESO Book Club
Members meet once a month and discuss the books they are reading. Sharing books, tea and dessert is a great way to relax and enjoy an afternoon.
Scholarships
For many years, WCO has awarded scholarships to Thurston County seniors who will be attending schools of higher learning in Washington State the following year. In 2023, we awarded four students money towards their school expenses. A total of $7,000 was distributed.
Pen Pals
Our Pen Pal project is new to us. Last year we wrote to 20 first graders at Tenino’s Parkside Elementary. This year we are writing to 28 5th graders at Lincoln Elementary in Olympia. Each student has a pen pal. We exchange letters about every month or two. It is so fun getting to know these children through their letters.
Environment
Our projects in this category center around Recycling and Gardening. We landscaped an area of our parking lot to make it more accessible to delivery trucks and to beautify the area. We also do work with Animal Services.
Health & Wellness
Paws 4 A Cause and Relay for Life has had lots of support from our members. Funds raised from this benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
We also have a new team walking for Relay for life. We are honored to be part of this important cause.