The local chapter of P.E.O. is planning a garage sale to raise funds for women’s education. The organization takes turns with Kewanee’s Woman’s Club holding the sale at the Windmont Shelter. This year, it’s the P.E.O.’s turn.
“We’ve done this for years and found it’s a very worthwhile project. It’s work, but it’s also time together—it’s fun when you enjoy the people you work with,” said Barbara Morrison, past president of P.E.O.
Founded in 1929, the P.E.O. Sisterhood chapter in Kewanee has a long history of supporting women’s education and fostering a sense of community among members.
The local organization, which is part of the larger P.E.O. Sisterhood in the U.S. and Canada, is dedicated to helping women achieve their educational goals through scholarships, grants, and loans.
For 150 years, the P.E.O.’s main objective has been to support women through friendships, and the bonds of sisterhood and to help women attain their educational goals through scholarships, grants, awards and loans and to motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.
PEO celebrates the advancement of women; educating women of all ages, races, religions and backgrounds, said Morrison.
Morrison, a retired teacher, was invited to join the group, which is the standard recruitment practice for the chapter.
The Kewanee P.E.O. currently has 33 active members from diverse backgrounds, including nurses, business professionals and educators. While many members have had careers outside the home, it is not a requirement for membership, she said.
“It’s a group of varied backgrounds with a common purpose—to support women,” she said. “It’s social too. We enjoy our time together and working on projects.”
The group raises funds through various projects including a pre-Christmas event at Blissful Branch Boutique, luncheons and at one time, fashion shows. Funds raised during the year are divided between several projects that help support women and education, Morrison said.
Among these efforts are scholarships like the Star Scholarship for high school seniors, the International Peace Scholarship and the Scholar Award for doctoral-level degrees.
In addition, the organization supports two funds that make a difference in the lives of Illinois residents. The Illinois P.E.O. Home Fund provides up to $5,000 to senior women for housing expenses, allowing them to stay in their homes with necessary repairs like plumbing and roof work. The Lulu Corkhill Williams Friendship Fund offers financial assistance for emergencies, such as medical bills or lifestyle changes, with grants of up to $2,400.
Upcoming is the P.E.O. Garage Sale, set for Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Windmont Shelter House. A wide variety of items will be available, with proceeds going toward women’s scholarships. “It’s all by donation—no prices. There’s something for everyone,” Morrison said.
Over the past 150 years, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has raised over $415 million in assistance to help women achieve their educational aspirations.
Morrison said her time with the organization has been rewarding.
“There’s a nice variety of people with different backgrounds and interests. If a sister needs help, the group is here,” she said.
