It's been a part of Wrentham for more than a century, and now the Holly Club is hoping to attract new members as it continues its legacy of service.

Established in 1898, the Holly Club is a women's service organization whose core membership comes from Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville.

"We are a group of civic-minded women who work together to volunteer and make a difference in our community," said Michelle Clinch, the club's new president.

The club is part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, or GFWC, an organization of community-based women's clubs. GFWC members serve their communities through programs that support the arts, protect the environment, raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence against women, and advocate for children. There are over 60,000 club members and affiliated clubs in all 50 states, as well as internationally. The organization is nonpartisan and nondenominational.

Clinch explained that individual clubs have local autonomy while supporting the GFWC's core principles. "Each club makes decisions about what they want to contribute or how they want to help in their community," she said. "And that could change from year to year."

According to club lore, the Holly Club got its name at an early gathering when the women were discussing what to call their new organization. A centerpiece decorated with holly leaves and red berries caught someone's attention, and one of the women suggested the Holly Club.

A tradition of service

The Holly Club supports a range of community programs and organizations in Wrentham and beyond, noted Clinch. At the monthly meetings, members bring nonperishable items for the Wrentham Food Pantry. Before the holidays, the club runs its "PJs Project," collecting pajamas in sizes requested through the food pantry. Members purchase the pajamas, package them in gift bags and provide them to the pantry for distribution.

The club also collects gift bags, wrapping paper and bows for families in the elementary schools, and has supported the sixth grade trip to Camp Bournedale, as well as Eagle Scout projects. The Fiske Library's summer reading program is another beneficiary of the club.

Each year, the Holly Club holds a dinner for first responders and veterans, with members preparing and providing the food, an event Clinch says the club is especially proud of.

In another annual project, members make Valentine's Day cards and provide carnations for residents of Wrentham's three nursing homes. Club members also bake cookies that are delivered to area seniors through the Meals on Wheels program. "It's a nice way to just socialize with a purpose," Clinch said.

The Holly Club also awards scholarships to graduating seniors. Last year, the organization awarded three $1,000 scholarships to students from the King Philip Regional School District communities, including students attending private schools.

One way the club advances the GFWC's broader mission is through its support of New Hope Inc. in Attleboro. Throughout the year, Holly Club members collect items requested by New Hope, which provides services to people affected by domestic and sexual violence. This past year, the club also secured a $600 grant from the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Massachusetts for New Hope, noted Clinch.

Fundraising and member dues make much of the club's charitable work possible. Recent fundraisers have included music bingo, line dancing and pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The club also raises money through the sale of items featuring Wrentham, including woven afghans depicting scenes from the town, ornaments featuring historic buildings, and beverage glasses with a Wrentham design.

Looking to the future

Clinch, who previously served as the club's vice president and is beginning a two-year term as president, said increasing the Holly Club's membership and visibility are her top priorities. The club currently has 28 members, with a wide range of ages and backgrounds represented.

The organization also has several longtime members, a testament to the dedication of its membership and the club's enduring role in the community. Three of those members will mark milestones this month: one has belonged to the club for 30 years, another for 35 years and another for 40 years. Next year, a member is expected to reach 50 years with the club.

Clinch said the club's relatively small size compared to other organizations can appeal to women who want to volunteer while also getting to know other members, which was part of the draw for her when she joined three and a half years ago. The club's longevity is part of what makes it meaningful, too.

"It was established in 1898, so to really be in existence for that long - a small club of women who want to live the volunteer spirit together - that's significant," she said. For potential members, she added, "If you only have a little bit of time to donate, you are still welcome to join us and help how you can, and when you can."

The Holly Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month from October through May at the Wrentham Senior Center. Meetings generally include time for refreshments and socializing, followed by a program or speaker and the club's business meeting.

Women interested in learning more are encouraged to attend a meeting before deciding whether to join. For more information, email the club at [email protected] or visit its Facebook page. Women from other communities beyond the tri-town area that do not have a women's club are also welcome.