GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club Donate To Bella’s Backpacks

The General Federation of Women’s Club of North Carolina (GFWC of NC) Statesville Woman’s Club October project focus was for Bella’s Backpacks. The backpacks consist of comfort items for children who go through the Dove House. Club members, guests and individuals from the community at large donated such items as:  small blankets, journals, coloring books, colored pencils, individual tissue pickets and hair brushes. Then club members, potential members and guests gathered at the clubhouse to help assemble the backpacks.

Bella’s Backpacks were started by 13-year-old Isabella DiFiore, daughter of Steve and Jennifer DiFiore of Statesville and the reigning Carolina Dogwood Teen Princess 2022. She started making the backpacks in January 2022 as a way to give back to the community and help The Dove House. She started them because she wanted to do something to make the children that come to The Dove House feel special, feel like someone cares, and know that there is hope in their worst moments. The backpacks contain a blanket, hygiene items, journal, coloring book, pencils, a pen, crayons, markers, stress ball, hand sanitizer, reusable water bottle, tissues, a snack, a small stuffed animal or toy and a message of hope from Isabella. The message reads "I have overcome some of the most difficult situations and come out Stronger" and also includes her favorite scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens Me.” - Philippians 4:13.

To date, with the help of donors, Isabella has filled over 140 backpacks. In addition to the Statesville Woman’s Club, others who have donated to Isabella's community service project are: Kintegra Health Statesville, Mitchell Community College, Gamma Alpha Chapter of ADK (Alpha Delta Kappa), Fidelis Tau Chapter of ADK, Phi Chapter of ADK in Winston Salem, Retired Iredell-Statesville Schools Personnel group, Levine Cancer Institute Nurse Navigators, employees of NGK Ceramics in Morresville, Janice Tutt, and many friends, family, and community members.

For club information or about renting the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Clubhouse for your meeting or event, inquiries may be emailed to the club at [email protected] or by calling 704-761-8208. For details on joining the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club, please contact Membership Chair Stephanie Gill at 704-657-5008. The club has also updated their website to www.statesvillewomansclub.org.