Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Supports Blue Star Mothers at March Luncheon

A luncheon meeting of Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Intl. was held at the Kenton Elks at noon on March 14. Pres. Sandy Berry welcomed 12 members and guest Kathy Tracy. Berry opened with comments thanking the hostesses Lori Paul, Jodine McKinley, and Sandy Berry plus Sue Buroker of the Elks. She offered a prayer honoring those in the military as well as veterans.

A buffet lunch consisted of Sloppy Joe sandwiches, macaroni salad, chips, beverages, and cheesecake with a berry topping prepared by Lori Paul and Jodine McKinley.

Following lunch Kathy Tracy was introduced as the speaker for the Blue Star Mothers of America and president of this Willeke-Marling Ohio Chapter 32. The group is comprised of mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guards, or reserves.

There are also associates who want to help but have no family members in service. About 1% of U.S. citizens are part of the military. This chapter began in Ada in 1957 with 10 members. Today there are 14 members and 5 associates. This chapter encompasses Hardin, Hancock, Logan, and Wyandot Counties and welcomes anyone who would like to support the cause. Blue Star Mothers was founded on January 22, 1942 in Michigan. In June 1960, this organization was chartered by the U.S. Congress. Today there are over 200 chapters and 6,000 members throughout the U.S.

Over the years there have been projects that have helped to provide personal needs for the active military personnel and veterans. Blue Star Mothers have made efforts on hospital work such as making bibs, lap robes, and booties. They have provided personal hygiene items and letters in care packages; have donated items such as magazines, books, clothing to VA homes; have handed out goody bags to local veterans in retirement centers; have supported U.S. military families with fallen heroes; and have participated in local county fairs, local parades, and related functions with Flag Day and Veterans Day.

Tracy says that Blue Star Mothers is a 501 (c)3 non-profit which is grateful for anyone who wants to volunteer to help complete the projects. At present with the current chaos of war in Iran, the chapter would appreciate monetary donations in order to buy the specific items that are allowed to be sent overseas in care packages. The boxes now have a specific list of personal items that are to be a certain weight and length. No extra items are allowed to be included.

She stated some examples such as only certain tubes of toothpaste with a specific weight or that different sizes of socks make a different weight. It is important to follow the rules as one chapter had thousands of their care packages returned because the boxes did not conform to the rules.

This meant that the postage for each box was lost with costs possibly up to $25 a box. She stated that her chapter is working with Ship Thrifty in order to make a cheaper more reasonable postage for each box. When the care packages are ready to assemble, volunteers will gather at Mid Ohio Energy to make the work go quickly.

In 2024, there were 625 care packages. In 2025, there were 525 care packages. We wait to see if there is a need for more care packages while at war with Iran. Tracy did add that there is a Stars & Strides Honor Walk planned on May 16 at Upper Sandusky’s Stepping Stones Park. Check on cost of registration with a discount for a pre-registration.

For information contact: PR.OH32@BLUESTARMOTHERS.US. For other information email: bluestarmothersoh32@gmail.com

Following a time for questions, Pres. Berry led the group in thanking Tracy for her information. Berry began the business meeting by thanking Teresa Harris, Norma Frederick, Elaine Hoover, and Shirley Spitler for their work for Kappa Chapter. The secretary’s report was accepted. The treasurer’s report was filed for audit. The pin and brag bag was passed.

Donna Myers explained about a few changes of Ohio’s DKG.  All did express appreciation to Sandy Berry for her work as president. It was discussed if our group should disband. It was decided that the chapter would continue for another year  with the same officers.

Teresa Harris made a motion which was seconded by Elaine Hoover to donate $500 for shipping of care packages that the Blue Star Mothers will prepare to be sent overseas to military personnel in 2026. All members agreed. Members also signed cards for Martha Cramer and Suzanne Sawyer.

Pres. Berry concluded with a poem. She stated the next meeting is planned for May 2 at the Kenton Elks at noon. Carol McKinley will discuss fairy gardens. RSVP by April 25 to Donna Myers at 429-767-0296. Hostesses will be Donna Myers, Teresa Harris, and Shirley Spitler.

Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned. All were wished safe travels home.

Submitted by: Norma Frederick