We are a diverse organization working to promote civic, philanthropic, cultural and educational interests within our community through the spirit of volunteerism. We are proud to be involved in a wide variety of community programs, philanthropies and charities.
Student Art Contest - Each year we host an annual Art Contest, with several artistic categories of competition (drawing, painting, photography, mixed media and 3-D art).
Civic Engagement & Outreach
11th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) - we work on projects all year including: sewing barracks bags for returning Marines; sponsoring single Marines to attend the Marine Corps Ball; filling goodie bags for the 11th MEU’s family holiday party at Camp Pendleton. Loads of Love - Navajo Christmas - YLWC provides holiday gift bags to children living on the Navajo Reservation in Klagatoh, Arizona. These bags are filled by our members with games, coloring books, crayons, winter hats & gloves, etc. Working Wardrobes/VetNet - YLWC helps this organization which provides veterans from every branch of the military with the tools and skills they need to find meaningful employment after service. Wreaths Across America - YLWCparticipates in sponsoring wreaths, volunteering and partnering with this organization on National Wreaths Across America Day .
Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention
Operation Underground Railroad - we collect towels, blankets and other donations for WTLC. This organization strives to end the cycle of violence by working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, their families and the community by providing multiple intervention and prevention services on a continuum. Just One - is a CFWC Domestic Violence campaign using specially made decals that display the National Domestic Violence Hotline number (800-799-SAFE) giving victims of abuse the opportunity to receive the help they need. “Just One” means one member, helping one victim with one decal for $1.
Education & Libraries
Read Aloud Program- Throughout the school year, a dedicated group of club members visit a local elementary school library weekly and read aloud to students in K - 3rd grade, and support of Read Across America Day, too. Yorba Linda Public Library - Book Corner College Scholarships - We are proud to support our local community by awarding academic and vocational college scholarships, teacher grants and high school art competition. Last year, we awarded over $50.000 in these areas. Including to: JOYA Scholars ; PYLUSD Students;George Key Ranch School Grants; and Teacher Grants.
Environment
Canine Companions Legacy Rose Gardens - In 1989, YLWC planted roses at the old YL Public Library. On June 29, 2021, a dedication ceremony for the new rose garden was held by the Yorba Linda Women’s Club at the Library. Roses were planted at the new Library on April 29, 2021 and a plaque commemorating the rose garden was installed on June 26, 2021. Orange County Animal Care Penny Pines Program - We help sustain our national and urban forests by contributing to the cost of replanting trees in damaged areas.
Health & Wellness
Brothers on a Quest - Ataxia Disaster Relief Esperanza Aztec Care Closet H.I.S. House Placentia (Homeless Intervention Shelter) No Limits Learning Center SmileMakers (Counsel on Aging) - In December, we participate in this holiday project for elderly men and women residing in local assisted living or care facilities. Club members volunteer to individually purchase, wrap and deliver requested gifts (robe, slippers, jacket, blouse, etc.) for someone who might not otherwise receive a holiday gift. Sew Kind - Hand-crafted and sewn items are made and given to CHOC, Crittenton Children’s Home, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, and others. Items include: knit/crocheted hats for cancer patients; trauma bears (delivered to police depts.); hospital gowns for terminally-ill patients; upbeat pillowcases for patients, and items for Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units (receiving blankets, nursing pads, etc.). Tara's Chance W.O.W. - Women Out Walking - our club walking group - enjoys the fresh air and a lovely walk every Tuesday and Friday. We meet at 8:30am (back by 9:30am) at the walking trail, on the Imperial Highway side of the Community Center by the white fence. Join the "ladies in purple" for some healthy fun!
Bird Sanctuary Information
Official Club Logo - Western Bluebird
History of the Yorba Linda Bird Sanctuary
The Yorba Linda Woman’s Club is very proud that the City of Yorba Linda has installed ‘Yorba Linda is a Bird Sanctuary’ signs at various city entrance locations. The signs were supposed to be installed 45 years earlier, after the City Council passed an ordinance on March 4, 1968 designating Yorba Linda as a Bird Sanctuary, but they never were. In 2011 Club President Sandy Weinrich was researching the history of the Club’s bluebird pin. She came across an old district report that mentioned Yorba Linda is a Bird Sanctuary. In checking with the City, it was confirmed, Yorba Linda is a Bird Sanctuary - Municipal Code Ordinance 6.36. Also, Lynne Yauger, Club Member and an Orange County Historical Commissioner, came across the ordinance in the organization’s minutes when she was doing research for the Club’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2012. There she discovered that it was the year 1968 when the Yorba Linda Woman’s Club was instrumental in having the city designate Yorba Linda as a Bird Sanctuary. In 1971 an airport was proposed in Chino Hills which would involve the airplanes flying over the Yorba Linda area. We understand that Yorba Linda being a bird sanctuary along with much resistance from the community, resulted in the airport proposal’s demise. In 2012, Club President, Sandy Weinrich sought a Club Chairman to research the bird sanctuary sign issue. Club member Marcia Willett volunteered and made it her mission to follow up with the city about the signs. Her collaborative effort lead to the Club paying for the materials and the City installing them. Several sign designs were created by Club member Nancy Capel, then the Club members voted on the best one. Fast Forward to year 2013; Marcia Willett, now President of the Yorba Linda Woman’s Club, successfully, on June 26, 2013, along with Mayor Tom Lindsey and several enthusiastic club members in attendance, unveiled the very first sign at the South/East intersection of Yorba Linda Boulevard and Jefferson Street. Today, there are a total of 8 signs standing close to the city’s entrances.
Mayor Tom Lindsay and YLWC Members at the unveiling ceremony of our city’s very first sign.
L-R Standing: Karlene Ballard, Pamela Harrell, Mayor Tom Lindsey, YLWC President Marcia Willett, Mary Moo Karpel, Esther Murray, Pat Porter, Sandy Castle, Karin Rinnert, Kathy Carswell, Jewell Hollingworth Kneeling: Heather Laporte, Heather's granddaughter Baylee Hicks, Susan Hillman and Olivia Alessi.