The GFWC Woman’s Club of Bridgeport met March 9, 2023, at the Benedum Civic Center. Guest speaker was Jessica Johnson, founder of the Chemo Tote Ministry. She explained the program which she began in 2019 after her mother died following a battle with breast cancer. Jessica said she saw a need for the ministry, knowing how much her mother had appreciated receiving a similar tote, filled with things that were useful and special to her at that difficult time in her life. Jessica and her family fill totes and deliver them to Ruby Memorial Hospital and United Hospital Center to be distributed to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The cloth totes include items such as lip balm, hard candy, socks, pens and paper, hats, and other comfort items. Each tote is prayed over before delivering to hospitals and each is embellished with a butterfly sticker as butterflies were special to her mom. The totes are delivered in the fall and spring, but Jessica will send one at anytime when requested. The first year she and her family filled and delivered 15 totes. In 2020, they completed 30 totes and in 2021 and 2022, respectively, filled and delivered 66 and 148 totes. God has blessed and multiplied the ministry, Jessica said. It’s all about sharing his love and being the hands and feet of Jesus, she said. Members brought to the meeting several bags of items for Jessica to use in her ministry.

 

During the meeting, some of the club’s keystone members were surprised by being honored for their service. Tressa Wolfe spearheaded this portion of the program by presenting roses to several members: The recognition was timely since March is Women’s History Month. “Our club has a long list of ladies and its own history,” Tressa said. “We owe them much gratitude.” Honored for 50 years of membership and service, as well as serving as past officers were Lenora Hinkle, Ruth Allen and Charlotte Cathell. Honored for their longtime membership and service and past/present officer roles were Eva Shearer, Linda Lemasters, Karen Lang, Shirley Hadorn, Barbara Wilburn, Brenda Swiger, Linda Rohrig and Tressa Wolfe.

 

Activity for the meeting was the painting of Shamrocks on canvas. Member Renee Starkey led the program. About 20 canvas paintings were completed by members, many of which are being delivered to residents of local personal care homes.

Pictured top are those honored (left to right): Tressa Wolfe, Charlotte Cathell, Linda Lemasters, Karen Lang, Shirley Hadorn, Barbara Wilburn, Brenda Swiger, Linda Rohrig and Ruth Allen. (Not present were Lenore Hinkle and Eva Shearer.)

 

Pictured below are members with the canvas shamrocks painted at the meeting.