Sixty-four years ago, a group of likeminded women came together to form Altrusa International of Macomb, and a few years later, under the direction of club founder Alta Sargeant, the first-ever Macomb Altrusa Bazaar was created. This year, the 60th annual bazaar will take place Saturday, Nov. 8 at Macomb High School.
Altrusa International began in April 1917 in Nashville, TN, and expanded internationally in 1935. The club's mission is to promote community service through an international network of female executives and professionals in diversified careers. The Altrusa International Club of Macomb was organized Jan. 28, 1961, with 16 members. The Macomb chapter, which has 25 members, is part of District 6, the largest district in the U.S., which is composed of clubs in Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. Members are invited to join.
According to Macomb Altrusa Member Erica Thurman, community literacy is the local club's passion and focus. The club provides books to area children through school visits and community events, and also partners with other area organizations including the Macomb Lion's Club, Rotary, United Way, McDonough District Hospital Foundation, Baby Talk and the Salvation Army. In addition to the annual Bazaar, Macomb club members take part in community service activities, including Adopt-A-Classroom, bell-ringing for the Salvation Army, the summer tutoring program, Heritage Days and more.
The 2025 Altrusa Bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and will feature over 150 vendors throughout the hallways and the Commons at Macomb High. Food trucks will be set up in the circle drive, and the club will offer baked goods for free-will donations. The club will also sell tickets for a gift basket and a 50/50 raffle.
'The holiday bazaar is the largest fundraiser for our club, with proceeds funding college scholarships for area students, literacy projects, winter boots for children and Make a Difference Day volunteer efforts,' Thurman added.
While admission to the Holiday Bazaar is free, the club asks those attending to donate a new or like-new (gently used) children's book. For more information, visit facebook.com/MacombAltrusa and MacombAltrusa. com or email [email protected].
