The Troy United Women’s League is one of the most active and most generous organizations in Pike County.

The 29 members are always looking for ways to be of service to the Pike County community and, on Monday, they made a $500 donation to the Troy Arts Council in support of the many cultural arts entertainment activities the organization brings to Troy.

Dr. William Denison, TAC president, accepted the donation and expressed appreciation to the TUWL for its support.

“These funds will be used in support of the local dance program,” Denison said. “Troy University now has a dance program and the dance ensemble is a part of Shelia Jackson’s Christmas Concert. This generous donation will also be used to assist other programs in our schools. We are very appreciative of the support of the Troy United Women’s League.”

Bernice Parker said the TUWL is able to do the many things that it does because of the support of local businesses and the many individuals who support the league’s annual Black History Banquet.

“Because of their support, we can provide financial assistance to other organizations,” Parker said. “All of the funds raised by the banquet, the dues that a paid by our members and out-of-pocket donations from our members go back into the Troy and Pike County communities.

We are a service organization.”

Shelia Deveridge, league member, said the Black History Banquet makes it possible to award from 10 to 12 scholarships each year and those scholarships are presented to seniors at all high schools in the county.

“We also support the athletic programs at all the schools, and the cheerleaders and the bands and the yearbooks,” she said.

“We support Head Start, the Troy Public Library, the Troy University Gospel Choir and other activities and events at the university. Education is a high priority for us.”

The TUWL supports charitable organizations including the United Way and the American Cancer Society and provides medical and burial assistance and assistance to individuals who are experiencing emergency needs.

“We provide assistance to fire victims and to those who are having difficulty paying utility bills and making rent payments,” Deveridge said.

“We also support the New Beginnings Day Care Center.”

Parker said the TUWL gives tokens of appreciation to all ministers in the county when their churches celebrate pastor appreciation days.

“These ministers provide spiritual support to so many and we want to let them know how much we appreciate their guidance and advice,” she said.

“We also support vacation Bible schools.”

The TUWL is not just a meeting club, it’s a working club and anyone who is interested in working for the betterment of the Troy and Pike County communities is encouraged to consider membership.

“We have been so blessed,” Parker said.

“God has blessed us each year. The funds that we raise through the banquet carry us from one year to the next. We are glad to do what we can for our community but without the support of the community, we couldn’t do all that we do.”