Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club donned green Grinch-inspired outfits and gathered at the Lutz Community Center on July 31 to raise money for Redeeming Love Foster Closet, a Lutz nonprofit that supplies cribs, formula and toddler clothes to children entering foster care.

The "Don't be a Grinch" Christmas-in-July fundraiser, chaired by club member Darlene Choe, featured themed games and a Whoville-inspired cake baked by one of the members, according to the club's website. Club president Linda Mitchell, along with members Dee Knerr, Pam Blumenthal and Grace Walters, were among those who participated at the community center at 98 1st Ave. NW in Lutz.

The club, whose members are known locally as "the Green Shirts," is part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and focuses on community service across Lutz and Land O'Lakes. Earlier this year, the group awarded eight scholarships totaling $22,000 to students from area high schools.

Redeeming Love Foster Closet operates out of Northside Bible Church at 405 Hayes Road in Lutz and is open to licensed foster parents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. All items are provided free of charge. Esther Dupree is listed as coordinator on the Idlewild Foundation's foster closet directory and can be reached at (813) 563-0272.

The closet's needs are ongoing. An Aug. 13 post on the organization's Instagram page listed shorts in all sizes, preemie clothes, infant car seats, high chairs, crib mattresses, toddler beds, double strollers, infant and toddler socks and children's underwear among items needed.

The club did not disclose how much money the July 31 event raised. Residents who want to donate items or volunteer can contact Redeeming Love Foster Closet by email at [email protected] or by phone.

Upcoming

The club's next event has not yet been announced. Check the GFWC Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club events page for updates.