Add some color with PEO geraniums
Philanthropic Educational Organization of the Silver Valley, Chapter M, are selling red, pink and orange geraniums in its annual fundraiser, raising money for local women who want to further their education.
Photo by CHRISTY WOOLUM
KELLOGG — Many residents (including this writer) are ready for spring after receiving multiple snowy days in Shoshone County. For some, spring means abundant plants and flowers for decorating, self-care, and something pretty to look at to brighten your day.
In that vein, members of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) of the Silver Valley, Chapter M, are holding their annual geranium sale to help add some pops of color into the Valley and support women in education.
This year there is more variety, with pink, red and newly added orange geraniums being sold, with all sale proceeds going directly to local women wanting to continue their education.
“PEO’s mission is to celebrate the achievements of women,” said Chapter M President Christy Woolum. “To educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship to local colleges and universities.”
Silver Valley PEO currently has five educational projects in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. This includes the Program for Continuing Education, established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women whose education has been interrupted but who want to return to school, and the STAR Scholarship, established in 2009, geared toward scholarships for women in their final year of high school so they can get support attending post-secondary education.
When a local chapter becomes aware of a woman’s interest in a scholarship or loan, the chair will arrange an interview and decide if they are the best fit for the financial support.
Since being created in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 116,000 women pursue educational goals by providing more than $383 million for women to pursue secondary education. It is one of North America’s oldest women’s organizations, with more than 500,000 members in the U.S. and Canada.
The local Silver Valley chapter, Chapter M, has had its annual geranium sale for approximately 20 years, with last year’s sale raising around $6,140.
“Deadline for orders is April 1, so get your orders in as soon as possible,” Woolum said.
PEO will sell hanging baskets for $23 and geranium pods for $3.50. Pre-paid orders must be in by April 1, and the geraniums can be picked up on Thursday, May 11, at the Avista building, located at 120 Hill St. in Kellogg.
While an order can be made with any local PEO Chapter M member, those interested can call Chapter M President Christy Woolum at 509-690-2633.