P.E.O. Chapter T Spruce Pine Shares Helene Recovery Smiles

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter T of Spruce Pine received a generous financial gift from a sister chapter, Chapter AO in High Point, NC.  Chapter AO requested the gift be used to “bring a smile and support those who need it in your community” as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. Twenty-four western North Carolina P.E.O. chapters are in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. Chapters from around North Carolina and the United States responded with encouragement and financial support to help with recovery.  P.E.O. Chapter T chose to use the funds given by Chapter AO to purchase supplies and books for Easter baskets that were distributed to community organizations serving women and children.  Recipients of the Easter baskets were Head Start which provides services to low-income families and is designed to prepare children for kindergarten through learning and play; Mitchell County Safe Place, which helps to eleminate domestic violence and sexual abuse through education, advocacy, and crisis services; and Spruce Pine Public Library pre-school reading program.

The Spruce Pine chapter of P.E.O. was founded in 1970 and provides scholarships for local girls and women pursuing their educational goals.  P.E.O. International has been celebrating “women helping women reach for the stars” for more than 150 years.  For more information about P.E.O. and its support of women who have benefited from the program, visit www.peointernational.org.