1936 Study Club: 87 years of giving

To do good deeds can be a salve for the soul. Be that soul of just one person or, far greater, that of an entire community. In that, it is no small feat of benevolence to dedicate oneself to volunteer one’s repose to the betterment of the community in which they call home. Those who do so, have a love for not only for their locality but also the world. While those with an altruistic heart may dream of someday making the world a better place, they realize the best place to start is close to home.

That is why, in 1936, the 1936 Study Club was founded and officially federated as a member of the General Federation of the Women’s Clubs in 1937. That is 87 years of service to their community.

The ladies generally meet every month from September to May and enjoy speakers who present programs on a variety of educational topics. March’s speaker was a local artist, Johnnie Terry, who spoke about her artwork. In February, the topic was Heart Health. As one can see, the topics are varied, interesting, and informative.

However, the club isn’t just about meetings. The real work is in their giving back to the community.

Every year they award scholarships to outstanding Avinger students, along with giving books to the children in kindergarten through fifth grade every Christmas. They also help with the Food Pantry with both food and by volunteering. The ladies donate to the Cass County Women and Children’s Center and even provide the Cass County Sheriff ’s office with stuffed animals for children who are in distress.

One may think that this seems like they do so much for not only their community but also their county. However, they also hold a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, which includes their “much loved bake sales.”

The 1936 Study Club recently held an online art auction to benefit their community. Even during a pandemic, the ladies of the 1936 Study Club continued to give back to their beloved community. American military general and aviation pioneer, James “Jimmy” Doolittle once said, “nothing is as strong as the heart of a volunteer.” The ladies of the 1936 Study Club have strong hearts indeed.