2005 marks the 25 th year in which First Step, a family violence intervention center, has been serving the Seneca, Wood, Wyandot, and Sandusky counties. In that time numerous community members have pledged themselves to taking up the cause for domestic violence. One such group is the Fostoria Emblem Club. First Step has been the Fostoria Emblem Club’s main community service project since the domestic violence shelter was built here in 1984.

Donations have been made in many ways. From members bringing food, paper products, and cleaning supplies for donation to the shelter; to painting and decorating and giving monetary donations. The club has also purchased mattresses, pillows, diapers, toys, board games, art materials, cleaning supplies, and Christmas presents for shelter clients.

Funds to support the donations are brought in from several events; from an annual children’s Breakfast with Santa project, to raffles at Wendy’s Car Show each Monday night during the summer. Emblem club also supports the local Daybreak center for Alzheimer’s patients, Relay for Life, military veterans, and local youth through annual scholarships. Fostoria Emblem Club is a service organization of 65 members whose purpose is to perform charitable work in the community and to assist the Elks Club. The Emblem Club also has very active state and national organizations. The current local president is Ann Watkins. The club welcomes new members and interested women may call Irene Kurtz at 435-7127 for information on becoming a member.