[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS H. ALLEN

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2001

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, on April 23, 2001, Altrusa International, 
Inc. of Greater Biddeford-Saco, Maine, USA, celebrated its 25th 
anniversary of service to its communities. This service group consists 
of professional women and men from the congressional district who have 
generously volunteered their energies and expertise in a wide variety 
of worthy activities.
  Many of their projects have emphasized literacy, including ``A Mile 
of Books,'' which literally offered a mile of books for children in 
Head Start to take home and keep. They also provide financial 
assistance to ``Literacy Volunteers'' and work with families through 
``First Teachers,'' a program designed to improve the literacy skills 
of entire families. In addition, the group has helped innumerable 
people in the community through its hospice volunteers, knitters group, 
meal program for the homeless, and financial support for the area's 
battered women's shelter and YMCA.
  This incomplete list of the many projects of Altrusa International, 
Inc. of Greater Biddeford-Saco illustrates the depth and breadth of its 
members' involvement in the community. At a time when few Americans 
seem to find the time or interest to share the joys and burdens of 
their fellow citizens, this selfless engagement is most heartening. 
These volunteers have learned firsthand that giving of themselves is 
the greatest gift of all.

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