Chums, Inc. strives to enrich the lives of others

What three Virginia State University women began as a means to enhance friendships and have fun in 1946 is observing its 70th anniversary having grown into a national organization that promotes civic, cultural, educational and social improvements.

Chums, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for women to meet in friendship and fun, to encourage a spirit of helpfulness and to use their talents in service to the community. It now includes 38 chapters across the United States. There are also 20 associate members in areas where there is not a chapter.

The St. Louis Chapter of Chums was incorporated in April 1980 in St. Louis city. It has 501(C)3 status and 22 active members. Their aim is to address the needs of the youth in the metropolitan community with a focus on education, healthy lifestyles, child development, survival skills and stressing violence prevention and other social ills.

Through the years, the group has devoted itself to the betterment of social, civic and cultural relationships in their communities. The national theme, “Listen to the Children – Enrich Their Lives,” guides each chapter in determining its community’s needs.

“To support our Chums mission, we provide funding, leadership and special activities,” said Armentha Russell, St. Louis Chapter president, who is a 24-year member. 

The local chapter’s 22 active members support efforts to develop fundraisers and fund scholarships to help fulfill those needs. Many hours of volunteer work is dedicated to the success of the national theme.

“Our Chums volunteer for all of the different program/projects and we also provide funding, as needed,” Russell said. 

Here’s a small sampling of what the St. Louis Chums support:

Children’s Hour. This is a reading program at New Northside Development Center. Chums read stories and encourage interactive participation.  Books are given to children ages 3-5.

St. Paul Saturdays. Chums provide mentoring to help young males to become strong, intelligent and responsible. It includes developing leadership skills, academic achievement and cultural growth.

Striving for Excellence. This program provides assistance with afterschool care at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School. It addresses some of the concerns of youth regarding the impact of disturbing issues in the various communities.

Trunk Program . Funds are donated to fill two trunks with supplies for college-bound students in partnership with the “Better Love Yourself” program.

Adopt-A-Family. Homeless and needy families identified by the Developmental Disabilities Resources Center are provided with food, clothing and toys during the holiday season.

Restore St. Louis. This is Christian-focused academic assistance program that mentors and tutors at-risk youth ages 6-17. The Chums and Hums (spouses) provide funding and volunteer working with youth in the program.

Women to Women Project. Chums donated purses filled with hygiene items for homeless women. They also donated toiletries and other various personal items to homeless men and women who visited the Horizon Club Drop-in Center operated by the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources.

Two Chums also serve as court-appointed special advocates with Voices for Children, spending countless hours advocating for youth in foster care.

The main project the Chums support is the Armida Frederick Scholarship Fund, through which five renewable college scholarships of $1,500 are given to in-need youngsters. The fund was established as a memorial to Frederick, a charter member, an educator in the Saint Louis Public School District, who embodied the notion that every child should have the opportunity to get a good education. 

“Since the inception of this scholarship program, the St. Louis Chums have awarded more than $100,000 to youth in need,” Russell said. “We are very proud of our many scholarship recipients – most of whom have completed their education and given back to the community.” 

The St. Louis Chums annual Masque Ball is the primary fundraiser for scholarships and other projects and activities in the community. This black-tie event is held on the first Friday in March, and attracts as many as 600 people from all areas of the St. Louis community. 

“Our greatest needs, in terms of donations, are funds to assist in providing for the many varied projects that we implement,” Russell said. “We currently receive some donations from Chums, as well as from friends, individuals and companies in the community who are aware of our on-going activities.”

To learn more about the St. Louis Chapter of Chums, or to donate, visit http://www.stlchums.com.