BROOKINGS – The local chapter of an international organization has been serving those in need for 40 years in November.

Altrusa, an acronym for amity, loyalty, talent, reciprocity, unity, service and achievement, was founded in 1917, during a time when a record number of women went to work during World War I and the need for women’s civic organizations grew.

The Brookings charter of Altrusa was organized in 1977, under the leadership of local businesswomen Minnie Evanoff and Georgianna Perso.

Members chose developing a Brookings-area resource bureau service directory as their first service project.

The initial fundraising project Altrusa organized in its second year was a bridge marathon, which has continued throughout the years and is in its 39th year.

Over the course of the year, participants in pairs of two play bridge with seven other pairs and turn in their scores at the end of the year, when prizes are awarded.

The group had decided early on that all the money the bridge marathon grosses each year, from $800-$1,000, would be used for community service. Anyone can participate in the marathon and does not have to be members of Altrusa.

The current bridge marathon chair, Doris Moriarty, has been involved in Altrusa in Brookings from its start in 1977.

She said Altrusa appealed to her because, at the time, the bimonthly meetings took place at noon and lasted one hour.

“It was perfect for me, because then I was free in the evening to spend time with my family,” Moriarty said. “I enjoyed meeting so many people in all walks of business in Brookings and, to this day, I enjoy being part of the community service that we do.”

Shortly after the group was organized, members adopted the Brookings Area Adjustment Services, now known as Advance, as their main focus.

Advance is a private, nonprofit organization that provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as those suffering from brain or spinal cord injuries and diseases such as muscular dystrophy.

Originally, all money Altrusa earned through fundraising and other services went to Advance. Over the years, the club has also provided equipment and additional funds to the organization.

With Advance maturing over the years, funds now are provided as the need arise. However, each year Altrusa still hosts a Christmas party for the residents and staff members.

In 1962, Altrusa International established the Altrusa International Foundation, which is “dedicated to improving economic well-being and quality of life through community service and literacy.”

Moriarty said, for the Brookings chapter of Altrusa, having a main focus of literacy can be interpreted in many ways.

This could include providing extra funds to teachers for a special project, supporting the Boys & Girls Club, or contributing funding for books to new school libraries in town.

Annually, the club budgets and disperses more than $5,000 for community service projects.

Since the early ’90s, Altrusa also awards two scholarships annually to Brookings High School graduates.

“I think a lot of teachers and businesses have been very good about participating in our fundraisers because of literacy,” Moriarty said. “If you can help someone get through college with a scholarship, that’s big.”

Other ways Altrusa serves the community include hosting a literacy luncheon, working at the Harvest Table and serving meals at the Habitat for Humanity in town.

When the Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter began in the early ’90s, Altrusa diverted service funds on an as-needed basis for painting, cleaning and redecorating, among other things.

Kathy Holland has been involved with the organization for a few months; her mother, Shirley Heitland, was a charter member of the group.

Holland said she would encourage those in Brookings or the surrounding areas to become involved with Altrusa or any other service organization because literacy, community service and helping those in need are all important things.

“It’s one to two hours a month,” Holland said. “If one to two hours a month can touch the lives of people in the community, it’s worth it. I get way more out of it than I ever give.”

She and Moriarty both said they have noticed a decline in membership numbers over the years. When Altrusa started in Brookings, the group had around 15 members, which then went up close to 50. Now it’s back down to 20 or so.

The Brookings chapter of Altrusa meets twice a month. Though once an organization strictly for women, now the club is open to any business professional in the area.

“I have always been a strong believer in giving back to the community. I think Brookings is such a wonderful community (in which) to raise and educate a family,” Moriarty said. “In return, whatever I can do to give back and participate, I feel rewarded in doing it. … It’s been very worthwhile for me to belong.”

Learn more by emailing membership@brookingsaltrusa.com.