The Birmingham Chapter of Charms, Incorporated welcomed five new members during the 2019-2020 calendar year. The Chapter was represented by 19 beautiful, resilient and dedicated Charms. During the 2019-2020 year, the world faced a devastating pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Our Chapter of Charms continued to gather in person through March 2020. Due to the pandemic, after March 2020, we met virtually via Zoom (a video conferencing tool) to fulfill our mission.

The Chapter continued to support a mission of humanitarian service through donations and financial support to Children’s Village and Jessie’s Place. Contributions were made to three selected families in need of financial assistance during the 2019 Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season, as well as, to our Charm members facing difficult times. The Birmingham Chapter of Charms, Incorporated was allotted a $1,000 distribution from the Charms COVID-19 Project. The $1,000 was donated to the

Alabama Community Food Bank.

Children's Village--A Christian home for boys and girls ages 6-18 who have been orphaned, abandoned, abused and or neglected.

Jessie's Place--A homeless shelter for women and children.
 

Alabama Community Food Bank--A network that engages in the fight to end hunger.

The Birmingham Chapter partnered with the local Metro Birmingham Branch of the NAACP to advance political and civic awareness. Voter registration forums were held at local high schools and communities. Ramsay High School, Wenonah High School, and Hooper City are some of the sites that were visited. The Birmingham Chapter assisted in registering about 70 high school students to vote. One member observed that ‘it was a life changing experience’ both for her and the new voters…

The Chapter sought to improve the quality of life by promoting higher education through the initiation of a scholarship program. The Birmingham Chapter of Charms awarded a $1,000 scholarship to four local 2020 high school graduating seniors. One of the scholarships bears the name of our charter member Geraldine Winfield Collins. Mrs. Collins is an active and charter member of the Birmingham Chapter of Charms. Myah Brown of Ramsay High School was awarded the Geraldine Winfield Collins Scholarship. Stanley Kindall, III and Micaiah Meadows from Ramsay High School along with Dionne Meadows of Woodlawn High School were awarded the Birmingham Chapter of Charms, Incorporated Scholarship.

The 2019-2020 fundraisers included a Fashion Show/Luncheon and the sale of facial masks displaying the Charms’ emblem. Wearing mask and social distancing were integral in the fight against COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the Fashion Show/Luncheon was cancelled but our very generous patrons allowed the Chapter to use the ticket sale proceeds to support our scholarship program.

As a social organization, The Birmingham Chapter celebrated its annual Founders’ Day at Ruth’s Place. Christmas was celebrated with the Atlanta Chapter of Charms. The installation of the Nashville Chapter of Charms was attended via Zoom as was the 2020 Conclave hosted by the Cleveland Chapter of Charms. We played bingo, celebrated birthdays, observed Founders’ Month, and attended our Birmingham Chapter retreat via Zoom.

The 2019-2020 calendar year presented our Chapter and the world with some hefty challenges. By the grace of God, we are still here and preparing to zoom into the future! Come with us!