Connie Burrow and Erica Geranen play Bunco at The Landing Sept. 23 during the Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club monthly luncheon. Club members recently began a community outreach program, collecting donations for Wiregrass organizations, during thei...

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Some military spouses here recently launched a new program to help them give back to the Wiregrass community.

Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club members hosted their first community outreach program Sept. 23 in conjunction with their monthly luncheon at The Landing.

At future meetings, club members will collect donations to assist local community organizations including schools, emergency pregnancy centers, food banks, animal shelters, libraries, hospitals and hospice facilities, said Christin James, FRCSC membership and reservation co-chairperson.

The Wiregrass is "home" to many military Families, even if only for a few years, and it's important for people to get involved while they are here, she said.

"We come here temporarily and live here in the communities. Through the outreach program, we're making an impact on the communities and leaving them with good feelings about the military," James said. "We have a heart and we care about local communities."

"The Army is always being taken care of by the communities," said Crissy Baker, FRCSC president. "It always feels good to give back."

Kimberly Vega, FRCSC first vice president, said conducting the outreach program gives members a chance to see firsthand how their organization impacts others.

"We do a lot with the community behind the scenes," she said. "This lets members see what's happening."

Another new twist to the club's 2010-2011 events calendar is incorporating the spouses' Soldiers in some activities, Baker said. A couple's murder mystery dinner is Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at The Landing.

"It brings Families together and builds military communities," she said of the husband and wife event.

The annual Hollyday Mart arts and crafts fair is Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Daleville High School.

Other upcoming events include a college football-themed silent auction and luncheon Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. at The Landing, and a Christmas Tea-Around-the-World luncheon Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at The Commons on Seventh Avenue. For more information about the community outreach program or to make event reservations, contact James at (315) 405-6627 or visit <a href="http://www.ftruckercsc.com" target="_blank">www.ftruckercsc.com</a>.