By Kareena Dhillon
Staff Writer
The Ladies Aid Club at Costa is a safe haven for all students and empowers those who need it.
The Ladies Aid Club focuses on the empowerment of women not only at Costa but in the community as well. Members raise money to donate to organizations and they volunteer at health centers, such as the House of Ruth, St. Francis Health Center, and the Project of Self Sufficiency. The club started this year, and consists of about 40 members.
“I wanted to do something about girls who were less fortunate, I didn’t want to stand in the background and do nothing about it and feel bad,” founder and co-president Devon Lay said. “I feel like if I took a step forward and did something and helped the community, it would be really great.”
Lay founded the club with a passion for helping others. According to Lay, the club is based around women’s rights and different organizations that help to empower women. The Ladies Aid Club is advocated for women but not restricted to it; it welcomes all genders.
Video: The Ladies Aid Club recently volunteered at the St. Francis Center. The center helps to treat women in need in the greater Los Angeles. Courtesy of the St. Francis Medical Center.
“I thought it was a good idea to have a club where all genders alike are working together to help other girls in need that are not as fortunate as us,” Lay said. “It’s kinda like you’re in this world and if you’re not doing anything, then what are you doing? It’s important to take a step forward.”
Vice President Hallie Humbert is in charge of the funding for the club. According to Lay, they plan to have a bake sale every month or every two months. The Ladies Aid club also receives funding from the organizations that they are trying to help, such as the Prajwala foundation, by giving the club posters to help raise awareness and money for women’s empowerment.
Take a look at the St. Francis Center and all of the different resources they provide.
“I very much enjoy the concept of the club, and they’re really interesting charities,” club publicist, Lilly Fuller said. “It’s hard to go out and join a charity as a lone person, but as a group and club it’s easier to raise money. It’s a very good idea and Devon is just the person to run the club.”
Ladies Aid plans to volunteer at health centers in LA County, such as the House of Ruth, St. Francis and the Project Self Sufficiency Foundation. In addition, Lay has been in constant contact with a member of The Prajwala Organization in India, which focuses on the rehabilitation of women and children.
Visit the Project Self Sufficiency Foundation website to learn more.
“I’ve grown up with this idea that women are this amazing and powerful entity,” Humbert said. “We wanted to create a place where everyone and anyone could be accepted.”
Ladies Aid Club is doing Lip Sync to help bring attention to the club. They also plan on volunteering at the St. Francis Medical Center on Jan. 14 and 21. In a few years, they hope to take trips to the different organizations around the world, Fuller said.
“It’s a new club and I’m really excited for it to branch out and flourish within the next few years,” Lay said. “I hope more people will join in the future.”
Leave a Reply