For nearly 75 years, Altrusa International of Mansfield (Altrusa Mansfield) has been woven into the heart of Richland County, showing up in classrooms, libraries, and community spaces with one goal in mind: making life better through leadership, partnership, and service.
Founded in 1951, the local nonprofit club is part of a global network of 266 Altrusa chapters and more than 6,500 members across the United States and abroad. Altrusa Mansfield’s 60 dedicated members range in age from their 20s to their 80s, representing generations of community leadership.
“Everything we do ties back to literacy,” said longtime member and past president Sally Gesouras. “It’s the foundation for learning, opportunity, and community growth. When you raise literacy, you raise the whole community.”
Building readers, building futures
One of the club’s proudest programs is First Read to Succeed, launched just three years ago and already honored with an international Altrusa service award. The program was inspired by member Kelly Holder, who wanted every child to experience the joy of owning a book, something many young children in the county have never had.
Each month, from October through April, Altrusa members visit every first-grade classroom in Richland County to read aloud a story and gift each student a brand-new Scholastic book to take home.
For many students, it’s their first personal book. Teachers say the impact is immediate — kids who once had nothing to read at home now collect seven books throughout the school year.
“When a little boy or girl asks, ‘Do we get to keep the book forever and ever?’ it melts your heart,” Gesouras said. “That’s why we do this.”
Since its start, the club has distributed around 7,000 books, investing about $20,000 every year to sustain the program. Altrusa Mansfield members are a part of every single step of this program, from sorting and labeling the stories to reading and giving the books to students in classrooms across the county.
“It’s the most fun I have every month,” Gesouras added. “Those kids light up the room.”
Tools for Schools: meeting needs, one pencil at a time
If First Read to Succeed plants the seeds of literacy, Tools for Schools ensures children have the tools that they need to learn. Started in 2003, the project provides free school supplies to teachers for students in need throughout Richland County.
In the 2023–24 school year alone, Altrusa Mansfield distributed 122,198 individual supplies, reaching over 11,000 students across public, private, and charter schools.
“We give directly to teachers because they know which students truly need help,” said Linda Williams, past president and current governor elect on the district board. “Crayons, markers, folders, dry erase boards — anything that makes learning possible.
Since its inception, the club has provided nearly 800,000 supplies countywide. Much of the program’s success stems from community collaboration. Walmart Possum Run regularly donates grants and bulk materials, while Mansfield Hardware Supply offers warehouse space for sorting, packing, and storage of supplies throughout the year.
“We’re probably more stocked with school supplies than Walmart right now,” Williams said. “It’s an enormous operation, but it’s a labor of love.”
Extending compassion beyond the classroom
While literacy and education remain at the heart of Altrusa’s work, their compassion reaches far beyond. The club supports programs like Buddy Bags for homeless students, filled with snacks, hygiene items, and small comforts. They also volunteer their time and hands at The New Store, organizing and helping children pick out gently used clothing and other necessities.
The Purple Star Program is another way Altrusa provides to the community by taking curated book sets to schools that help children navigate the challenges of having a parent deployed. In addition, the club sponsors a local ASTRA youth leadership club, giving middle school students hands-on opportunities for community service and chances to develop leadership skills.
Altrusa Mansfield members regularly partner with other local organizations such as creating Little Free Libraries with the help of the Mansfield City Schools workshop class, sorting donations for United Way’s Big Red Bookshelf, and co-hosting a winter coat drive with Ashley Furniture and the Noon Optimists.
“We love to roll up our sleeves and do the work ourselves,” said Peggy Harrison, current co-president. “It’s not just about giving money. It’s about being hands-on, seeing the smiles, and knowing we made a difference.”
Fundraising that fuels service
Behind every book, pencil, and Buddy Bag is an energetic fundraising effort. Altrusa’s annual Spring Bash is their largest fundraiser of the year; a night complete with food, dancing, and an auction event drawing more than 500 guests.
Next year’s bash will be held on February 28th and the theme is a Hawaiian-style luau featuring live music from The Red Ball Jets, a silent auction with more than 100 items, and the ever-popular “mystery grab bags” that sell out in minutes.
Last year’s event raised over $50,000, ensuring programs like First Read to Succeed and Tools for Schools continue to thrive.
“It’s a lot of work,” Williams said, laughing. “By the end of the night, our feet are sore, but our hearts are full.”
Joining the mission
Membership in Altrusa Mansfield is open to anyone ready to serve.
“We’re not a social club,” Gesouras said. “We expect members to roll up their sleeves and get involved, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.”
The club meets twice a month at DLX in downtown Mansfield, alternating between lunch and evening sessions. Guests are always welcome.
“You’ll find friendship, purpose, and a chance to make a real impact,” Harrison said. “Once you experience that, you’re hooked.”
To learn more about Altrusa Mansfield or information on the next meeting, visit their website. Altrusa International District Five – Leading to a better community.
