HOW IT WORKS: This local branch of an international organization is made up of
approximately 30 women dedicated to helping women and children as well as those with
hearing impairment. The group works with the Central Oregon Regency Program to identify
children in need within the local school system. The group also gives funds to groups
like MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, The Boys & Girls Club, Ronald McDonald
House and Healthy Beginnings. In all, the group gives about $35,000 each year. In addition
to giving to organizations, Quota also donates funds directly to individuals. People can
submit a proposal, outlining the situation, who they are and what they need, and the Quota
service committee will consider it. If it gains approval from the committee, the 10-member
board must approve it, followed by the entire membership. The group has sent children to
deaf camp and recently paid for hearing aids for an infant.
Amber Whitson, of Tumalo, says that the group helped her family pay for digital hearing
aids for her 1-year-old daughter, Kyashia Haller. She expects that the pretty pink hearing
devices should arrive within the next few weeks and thinks they will help her daughter a
great deal.
“She’s more interested in things when she can hear them,” said Whitson. Right now, Kyashia
uses temporary hearing aids, which sometimes fall out or change volume when the little girl
rolls around on the ground. Whitson says that she and her family “can’t afford extras” and
without this help, she’s not sure when Kyashia would have gotten the digital hearing aids.
WHO QUALIFIES: No specific requirements. The board focuses on providing assistance to
impoverished women and children and those experiencing hearing loss.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Individuals interested in joining Quota International can attend
one of the group’s meetings. Quota meets the first, third and fifth Tuesday of every month at
noon. The first is dedicated to business, the third is a special program and the fifth is a
social get together.
CONTACT: Ways and Means Della Bjerk at 389-2193 or service committee member Charlene Clevenger
at 617-3521.
— Alandra Johnson
