Giving gifts often makes one feel warm inside. A new campus ministry group is working to feel warm on the inside, while making those in need warm on the outside.
Founded in 1897, and now with over 60,000 members in the United States, the Daughters of Isabella found its way to Marquette University.
The Daughters of Isabella, a Catholic, all-female organization, is hosting their first event of the year Nov. 11 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Alumni Memorial Union. Participants can make scarves and blankets to donate to the Milwaukee Women’s Center.
Daughters of Isabella arrived at Marquette shortly after the Knights of Columbus came to campus, its all-male counterpart.
According to Kassi Showers, a junior in the College of Education and secretary for the club, the Daughters of Isabella is “paving the way” for women to play a more active role in service and faith.
The e-board said the organization is based on shared values. This common thread drives the organization.
“There are three international pillars which are unity, charity, and friendship,” Samantha Dresen, a junior in the College of Communication and vice president of Daughters of Isabella, said. “We work for that through social and service events.”
Friday’s craft night is no exception. Cami Raisleger, a sophomore in the College of Nursing and Daughters of Isabella president, said she wanted to host an event that was “fun and meaningful” and would also give back to the Milwaukee area.
“The Milwaukee Women’s Center is a great resource for women in Milwaukee that may not have the resources that we have,” Showers said. “It gives support to women who may be homeless (or) victims of domestic violence.”
Items such as socks, household cleaning supplies, gift certificates and deodorant are being accepted as donations. A full list of needed items can be found on Facebook. Those who bring something to donate can leave with more crafts, such as adult coloring books.
Giving back to the Milwaukee Women’s Club is of real significance to the Daughters of Isabella club.
Looking forward to the future, the members of the Daughters of Isabella club are curious to see what new and exciting service events they can host. They have a Christmas party in the works with the Knights of Columbus and plan to work with other organizations to maintain a sense of unity on Marquette’s campus.
The e-board said they hope all newcomers feel the strong sense of female empowerment the club is trying to relay.
“For our service events, we are really trying to help out women in the Milwaukee area and give support to women from women,” Showers said. “(This way) we are all connected.”
