The La Porte Service League has reached an impressive anniversary, with 80 years of benefitting the community through a wide variety of projects.
LaPorte dentist Valerie Martinsen, who is serving as president this year, explains that La Porte Service League has a long history of implementing health programs for local children – from providing cod liver oil in the 1930s to supporting five decades of vision screening in elementary schools.
The organization recently achieved a $1,500 grant from Unity Foundation of La Porte County to help support a dental health initiative for children.
The league will provide preschoolers with dental health kits and instruction on preventive care, tied in to the American Dental Association’s “Give Kids a Smile” program, which is conducted throughout February each year during National Children’s Dental Health Month.
The kits will include toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss, and instruction will be offered on proper brushing technique and nutritional guidance.
“This dental program was initiated by our past-president, Davelle DeMarco, who felt very strongly that LaPorte Service League could make a difference in the dental health of our community. As a dentist, I’m thrilled that we’ve found a stepping stone to improving children’s dental health in LaPorte and look forward to helping this project grow.”
Last year, after achieving its 501c3 nonprofit status, the La Porte Service League achieved a Unity Foundation grant to expand its provision of handmade fleece blankets for children in La Porte schools. More than 100 blankets were made to comfort at-risk children who are identified as being in challenging circumstances, such as sudden removal from the school and their homes.
In addition, that grant helped to support the League’s play, which is presented for 6,000-7,000 schoolchildren annually. For the first time, the 2012 play was written by a member. Kathy Sommer’s original script was a popular hit, and she is writing additional plays for Service League consideration.
The 2013 play, opening in late January, again will be directed by Lucy Vergo, working with members in all capacities of production, from acting to technical assistance.
The play has been a major project for the La Porte Service League since it was founded in March 1932 with a focus on social, economic, educational, cultural, and civic volunteerism. As in the beginning, each member spends at least 50 hours contributing to community service projects. These include tutoring sessions at Handley School, Meals on Wheels deliveries, Bingo parties at the county home and Golden Living Center, bell ringing and cooking meals for the Salvation Army, collecting household items and purchasing diapers for Womens’ Care Center.
“La Porte Service League members dedicate at least 50 hours on our community support projects in a year,” Martinsen said. “Most members spend far more hours in the various activities, and especially in presenting the play. We look forward to presenting another very enjoyable and original play for the schoolchildren in 2013.”
To help fund such projects, as well as student scholarships, fundraising events also have been developed. In addition to bake sales at the Farmer’s Market and Port-a-Pit chicken sales at Sunflower Fest, the first Trivia Night event in April drew 14 teams and raised $2100.
The second annual event is planned for Friday, April 19, 2013.
Photo: New officers are leading the La Porte Service League into its 80th year. From left they are: Recording Secretary Marsha Barr, Corresponding Secretary Elizabeth Dekker, Hours Terri Burkhart (front), President Val Martinsen, Vice President Alex Martinsen, and Treasurer Connie Kuzydym. Not pictured: Historian / Advisor Davelle DeMarco.