"I always leave Birchtree feeling enriched. It's not about what I do for the children, it's what they do for me! I am so happy to be a part of Birchtree." -Marilyn
"I would just like to say that I love doing projects at Birchtree with the children. While doing the activities such as valentines and Mother's Day gifts, I can only imagine how Mom feels upon receiving the gift, knowing that her child can indeed do this for her. It is just a feel-good experience for me and I leave singing to myself and knowing I did something really nice for someone." -Sue B.
"I have always enjoyed working on the various holiday projects with the Birchtree children and it has truly enriched my life." -Sue C.
"The reaction of these children to a new challenge is inspirational. They conquer their fear and uncertainty to be part of a special job that brings pride to all around them." -Beth
"As a volunteer with Altrusa, we have assisted the Birchtree students and staff in making valentines, Mother's and Father's Day presents, holiday plantings and cards for the students to take home to honor various celebrations. The children each add their own personal touches and sign their names to their cards and gifts. These visits with the children are fun, intense and expose the gifts of patience, love, cheer and inspiration. They have taught me lessons -take nothing for granted... be grateful for the daily mundane... think twice about the meaning of surrender. Giving support to others has great value. My reward is measured in something profound." -Natalie
"I truly enjoy working with the children at The Birchtree Center and I come away with the great feeling of doing something so worthwhile and rewarding. To see the smiles on the children's faces is simply awesome." -Norma
"Over the years I have watched their progress and applauded their accomplishments. They always make me smile and I am happy to be among them. What I did not expect was the enrichment I would receive in my life. Jessie, one of the Birchtree teachers, told me at our first meeting that “you will fall in love these children" .... and I certainly did! The dedication and hard work of the staff always amazes me, as does the love and support of the parents and siblings of the students....it is beautiful. Everyone associated with The Birchtree Center has grabbed a piece of my heart and will always have it." -Kathleen
"I, too, come away after one of our visits feeling that my life has been enriched by the time spent with the children and their wonderful teachers. It is both joyful and inspiring for me to see how these kids have grown and progressed over the last several years. I am so proud of them. What a delight to be even a small part of this special place!" -Sandy
About The Altrusa Club of the Seacoast
The Altrusa Club of the Seacoast is the local chapter of Altrusa International, Inc., a worldwide organization of over 14,000 members of professional ladies and men who do various community service and literacy projects in their cities and towns. Our group, the former Portsmouth Altrusa Club, has expanded to include members from the Greater Seacoast area: York, Kittery, Eliot, Dover, Stratham and Rochester. Our club was chartered back in the early 1940s and early projects included "Baskets for Britain" during WW II, when packages of bandages and other war needs were sent to the troops overseas, much the same as our current club has sent packages more recently to our soldiers in Iraq.
Several years ago, Dr. Barbara Frankel, one of the founders of The Birchtree Center, came as a guest speaker to one of Altrusa's semi-monthly meetings and introduced us to Birchtree. She told us of Birchtree's upcoming move to a new location in Portsmouth. Looking for a way to be of service, many of our members donned their painting clothes and joined in with the staff and other volunteers to paint and clean and get the new school rooms, offices and gym ready for the kids. Later that year, she invited us once again to join them as they hosted an Apple Festival fundraiser.
We were hooked! What a great group of teachers, parents and children to get to know and spend time with! Over the last few years, it has become increasingly apparent to us that whatever we do to help out at The Birchtree Center comes back to us tenfold in smiles and love and good feelings. It is easy to see why we love what we do as "Altrusa Angels" at The Birchtree Center, and we hope to enjoy a long and happy association with this wonderful school.
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