WASHINGTON, DC – Philanthropy is a pillar of the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) mission, and it is driven by a steadfast spirit of volunteerism from its members. From natural disaster relief, to raising funds to eliminate life threatening diseases, to making significant contributions to our local municipalities, the DOP is at the forefront of charitable giving. 

In February, just prior to the shelter-in-place guidelines due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOP Headquarters presented a timely $10,000 donation to Meals on Wheels America Headquarters. This was the third $10,000 donation in as many years to Meals on Wheels America, which is the leading organization to address senior hunger and isolation.

DOP members are always first to step-up and lead, especially during this pandemic. DOP chapters and districts throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, have donated funds to food banks, held emergency food drives, purchased and/or made masks and PPE for hospitals and medical facilities, and they are making and distributing hand sanitizer to individuals in need. Many members are handling grocery shopping for those who are unable to go themselves and are checking in on friends and family during this pandemic.

Also, DOP chapters are supporting global cultural initiatives during the pandemic. For example, the DOP Phaetuse Chapter 437, Paris, France, hosted a historic event on July 23 at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Greek singer-songwriter Monika performed Saving the World, a song she wrote during the quarantine, as a tribute to COVID-19 heroes worldwide. The event benefited hospitals in Greece as proceeds went to the purchase of PPE.

Healthcare workers and essential frontline workers are certainly heroes. Some members are serving their communities in those roles, and there are members who are providing support to those heroes or are heroes to the family and friends to whom they lend a helping hand. In a statement, the DOP said, “during these difficult times, we are truly thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful sisterhood.”