PONCA CITY, OK – Soroptimist International of Ponca City (SIPC) donates thousands of dollars annually to local nonprofits benefiting women and girls.

For the past four or more years Soroptimist has successfully held Donation Sales Events in a building on the corner of Lake Road and Rosedale in Ponca City the use of which was donated by the owner with Soroptimist paying for the utilities. However, this will soon cease. The property has been sold, and now they must find another building.

“We appreciate the many estates and individuals who have donated items over the years to make this possible,” said Sharon Millemon, fund-raising chair for the club. “We have been able to accept household items and set them up in a store-like manner making it easier for people to shop. When we have sales, we ask people for a generous donation and people have been very generous. They know the money raised is used to help women and girls in need and for scholarships.”

Right now, the Soroptimists are looking for a 2500 to 3000 square foot building to relocate the sales. It needs to be in the Ponca City area where members can accept donations on an on-going basis and have periodic sales. The club is a 501©3 non-profit and is willing to pay the utilities and give a donation receipt to cover the rent.

Soroptimist annually gives cash awards to women head of household returning to school through the Live Your Dream Program. Scholarships are awarded to Po-Hi senior women who are continuing their education. Area organizations that benefit from Soroptimist include the Survivor Resource Network, Living Hope Pregnancy Center, Friendship Feast, New Emergency Resource Agency, Camp McFadden, Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, Ahead with Education, PIE Partner West Middle School, The Mission, and others.

“We want to continue to support these and other organizations, but we need a place to continue raising funds in this same manner,” said SIPC President Terri Buesing.

Anyone willing to donate space or work with the club to locate a place should contact Terri Buesing at 580.763.7052.

Founded in 1950, the Ponca City club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist, a 501 © (3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also powers LiveYourDream.org-an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit www.soroptimist. org.

For information on the local Soroptimist club and how you can join and make a difference locally and throughout the world, contact President Terri Buesing at 580.763.7052.