Streator Leading Ladies is a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping to empower women and girls.
Membership includes any interested woman in the Streatorland area who is 18 or older. They currently meet once a month on the third Thursday in the evening. However, the members are exploring ways of providing services in a variety of approaches.
Among the services provided is the scholarship program that provides a scholarship to a Woodland and Streator High senior each year. The scholarship for an adult continuing her education is named after deceased member Maxine Wargo. The group also recognizes junior high girls at Northlawn and Woodland who excel in Math.
Along with fostering scholastic excellence, the group fosters philanthropy for worthy organizations, such as Streator Unlimited, Safe Journeys and Salvation Army. The Streator Leading Ladies has raised money for these programs through a variety of fundraisers.
Originally, the Ladies were part of the organization: Streator Business and Professional Women. Its mission is to help the Streatorland area through education, community, involvement and service.
The organization is looking for volunteers interested in helping the Streatorland Community. For information, women can call or text Vice President and Program Chairwoman D. Stone at 847-226-4799 or email dbpstone@gmail.com. Volunteers can join the group at its first meeting 6 p.m. Thursday at Chippers, 1733 N. Bloomington St. Reservations can be made by texting D.Stone.