Community Outreach
W.O.W. Community Outreach volunteers and events support local Aiken charities with monetary, in kind, and volunteer hour donations. In fiscal year 2025–2026, W.O.W. provided $90,073.46 to local charities through Community Outreach events and volunteer opportunities. Over the years, total donations are a phenomenal $2,219,483.
For over thirty years, the Women of Woodside have supported the advancement of our local community through volunteer services and financial contributions earned from our many FUNd-Raising activities. If you would like to be considered as a recipient, please visit Women of Woodside Request for Support by clicking here.
If you are a curious adventure seeker, new member, or a W.O.W. volunteer veteran, click on the links below to see what’s new and learn more.
Community Outreach Chairs: Anne Kelty and Donna Tully
Angel Tag Project: Julie Brozowski/Billie Messina
The Angel Project is one of Women of Woodside’s most meaningful annual community outreach efforts. Each year, W.O.W. members come together during the holiday season to help make the holidays brighter for individuals and families in need throughout Aiken County.
Working in partnership with local charitable organizations, the Angel Project provides support for children, seniors, and others facing financial hardship. Through the generosity of W.O.W. members, donations are collected and distributed to participating agencies, allowing them to purchase much-needed gifts, clothing, personal care items, and other holiday essentials for those they serve.
By providing financial contributions rather than collecting individual gifts, the Angel Project maximizes the impact of every donation. Agency staff are able to take advantage of sales, discounts, and the specific needs of their clients, ensuring that contributions stretch as far as possible and benefit the greatest number of people.
The Angel Project reflects W.O.W.’s commitment to serving our community and sharing the spirit of the holiday season with those who need it most. Every donation, large or small, helps bring comfort, joy, and hope to our neighbors during the holidays.
Join fellow W.O.W. members as we come together to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through participation in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.
This community event is not a race, but a meaningful and enjoyable walk that can be completed at your own pace alongside friends, family members, neighbors, and even your four-legged companions. Whether you walk in honor of a loved one, in memory of someone special, or simply to support the cause, your participation helps raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
W.O.W. proudly fields a team each year and welcomes members of all ages and abilities to join us. Participants will receive information about registration, fundraising opportunities, team activities, and event details as they become available.
Together, we can make a difference—
one step at a time.
Christmas Caroling at Benton House: Tracy Spaeth
Spread holiday cheer and help brighten the season for local seniors by joining fellow W.O.W. members for Christmas Caroling.
Whether you’re a talented singer, an enthusiastic hummer, or simply someone who enjoys the spirit of the season, you’re invited to be part of this joyful holiday tradition. Together, we’ll share favorite Christmas carols and festive songs with residents of a local senior living community, bringing smiles, memories, and holiday magic to those we visit.
No musical experience is required—just a willingness to participate and a love of spreading holiday cheer. This heartwarming event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with fellow members, and make a meaningful difference in our community.
Come lend your voice and your holiday spirit—we’d love to have you join us!
Christmas at Hopelands Gardens: Linda Vieweg
Celebrate the season while giving back to the community by volunteering at one of Aiken’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Each December, Hopelands Gardens is transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring more than two miles of lighted pathways, thousands of twinkling lights, and festive holiday displays that delight visitors of all ages. W.O.W. members, along with their spouses, family members, and friends, are invited to help make this special event a success.
Volunteers assist in a variety of roles, including greeting guests, serving as pathway monitors, and helping at the refreshment stand. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the holiday atmosphere, support a cherished community event, and share the experience with family and friends.
Whether you volunteer for one evening or several, you’ll help create memorable holiday experiences for visitors while enjoying the beauty and spirit of the season.
Join us and be part of the magic!
Garden Tour: Chris Jakubec
The W.O.W. Garden Tour is a beloved community event that showcases the beauty, creativity, and diversity of gardens throughout Woodside. The tour typically features five unique private gardens, offering visitors inspiration, gardening ideas, and an opportunity to explore some of Woodside’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.
To ensure the continued success of this special event, W.O.W. is seeking enthusiastic committee members and co-chairs to help plan and organize future tours. Opportunities to contribute include identifying potential gardens, coordinating volunteers, assisting with publicity, supporting event logistics, and helping create an enjoyable experience for both homeowners and visitors.
No gardening expertise is required! Whether you’re a master gardener or simply enjoy working with others to create memorable community events, your talents and ideas are welcome.
Join the team and help cultivate another fabulous Garden Tour for the Woodside community!
Honor Mail: Lori Thomas
Help brighten the day of a local veteran with a simple act of kindness—a handwritten letter or card.
Throughout the year, W.O.W. members participate in a heartfelt letter-writing campaign for retired military veterans residing in local nursing homes and care facilities. These notes of appreciation, encouragement, and holiday greetings remind veterans that their service and sacrifices have not been forgotten.
This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for members, spouses, children, and grandchildren. Involving younger family members can be especially meaningful, creating connections across generations while teaching the importance of gratitude and service.
Before major holidays and special occasions, W.O.W. members will receive information about upcoming letter-writing efforts and opportunities to participate. For some veterans, these cards and letters may be among the few personal messages they receive during the year. A few thoughtful words can make a lasting impact. Join us in sharing appreciation, kindness, and holiday cheer with those who have served our country.
School Reading Project: Claire Gaynor
W.O.W. is proud to support North Aiken Elementary School through a variety of programs and donation drives that help meet the needs of local students and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
One of our most meaningful initiatives is the Birthday Book Program, which provides books for students to keep as their own. For many children, a W.O.W. Birthday Book may be the first or only book they own, making it a treasured gift that encourages imagination, literacy, and a love of reading.
Throughout the year, W.O.W. members also collect and donate items that help students thrive both in and out of the classroom, including new and gently used books, sneakers, winter jackets, underwear, leggings, sweatpants, and other essential items.
Whether through donations, volunteer service, or participation in special projects, members have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children. Every contribution helps provide comfort, confidence, and educational opportunities for students in our community.
Join us in supporting North Aiken Elementary School and helping young learners succeed—one child at a time.
Spooky to be Hungry: Anne Kelty and Donna Tully
Spooky to Be Hungry is one of W.O.W.’s premier community outreach initiatives, bringing members together to help fight food insecurity in our region. Through this annual effort, W.O.W. supports the important work of the Golden Harvest Food Bank, helping provide meals and resources to individuals and families facing hunger.
Whether through volunteering, fundraising, food collection, sponsorship support, or event participation, members have numerous opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Every contribution helps Golden Harvest Food Bank serve neighbors in need throughout the communities it supports.
More than just a fundraiser, Spooky to Be Hungry reflects W.O.W.’s commitment to service, compassion, and community. Together, we can help ensure that families have access to the food and support they need while raising awareness about hunger in our region.
Join us in making a difference—because no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.
Special Olympics: TBD
Support local athletes and be part of an inspiring day of achievement, determination, and celebration at the Area 15 Special Olympics Spring Games.
Elementary, middle, and high school athletes from across the region come together to compete in a variety of track and field events, showcasing their skills, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Athletes are recognized and awarded based on their performance, making the day a memorable experience for participants, families, teachers, and volunteers alike.
W.O.W. members have the opportunity to support this special event by assisting with lunch service for athletes and teachers. Volunteers help with setup, serving, and cleanup, ensuring participants can enjoy a well-deserved meal between events.
The volunteer commitment is approximately 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and offers a meaningful way to give back while cheering on these remarkable athletes.
Join us in helping make the Special Olympics Spring Games a successful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Treasures Reimagined Market – TBD
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! The W.O.W. Trash & Treasure Sale is a popular community event that brings bargain hunters, collectors, and treasure seekers together for a day of shopping and fun while supporting a great cause.
Held at Aiken Senior Life Services, the sale features tables rented by W.O.W. members offering gently used household items, décor, books, jewelry, seasonal items, and other hidden gems. Year after year, the event attracts enthusiastic shoppers from throughout the Aiken community.
In addition to participating as a seller or shopper, members are encouraged to volunteer. Opportunities include helping organize donations, assisting with event setup and logistics, greeting shoppers, and supporting sale-day operations.
Whether you’re looking to declutter, discover a unique find, or lend a helping hand, the Trash & Treasure Sale is a wonderful way to connect with the community while supporting one of W.O.W.’s favorite annual traditions.
Join us for a day of treasures, bargains, and community spirit!
Winter Wonderland Tablescapes Luncheon: Colleen Pate & Terry Solfest
Our annual holiday fundraiser helps support W.O.W.’s outreach efforts and charitable initiatives throughout the community. This year’s event showcases festive tablescapes, and a keynote speaker who will “W.O.W.” you with holiday decorating and entertaining advice.