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While serving others, two groups organized by Modern Woodmen of America also gained recognition for their exceptional volunteer projects connecting youth with adults as part of JOIN HANDS DAY 2007.

On May 5, 2007, hundreds of service projects took place across the country to celebrate JOIN HANDS DAY, a national day of service sponsored by America’s fraternal benefits societies, including Modern Woodmen. In September, the National Fraternal Congress of America recognized the top 10 awardees of exceptional projects.

Twin Falls, Idaho
Hundreds of thousands of people are homeless in the United States. In Twin Falls, Idaho, a large and diverse group came together to learn about the difficulties facing the homeless. Then, four Modern Woodmen youth clubs, along with representatives from the Boy Scouts, Latter-day Saints relief society, two motorcycle groups, home schoolers and Red Hat ladies prepared kits for the homeless.

The kits were mainly targeted to homeless children. “We wanted to make sure that children who had no home could have some of the things that they lost or never had,” explained Kristi Dewsnup, Modern Woodmen youth service club leader. Sixty-two children and 47 adults put together comfort kits, hygiene kits, activity kits and baby kits. They also put together personal care kits for soldiers in Iraq.

Eureka, S.D.
In communities affected by a tornado, clean-up can take weeks, even months. In Eureka, S.D., Modern Woodmen and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans came together to clean up trash and debris at the Darwin Aman farm. The farm had been struck by a tornado. Fifty youth and 70 adult volunteers worked to support the homeowners and help them pick up the pieces that were destroyed in the twister. Clyde Ottenbacher, Modern Woodmen camp secretary, called the day “a wonderful experience.” He said, “It was so nice to see all ages come together.”

Each award-winning project received $1,000 and a distinctive glass trophy. The coordinating groups choose how the funds are used.

Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen of America celebrates its 125th year of serving members and their communities. The organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.