The May Court Club of Chatham is marking its 90th anniversary with a $20,000 donation to the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
Part of the funding will support Children’s Services at the Chatham Branch, including the addition of a reading nook, interactive play wall panels and a “sort and stack” storykit. The items are expected to be relocated to the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub once it opens in early 2028.
Library officials say the reading nook will offer children a cozy space for reading and playing, along with storage for picture books to encourage independence. The interactive play wall panels provide sensory-based elements designed to engage children during play time, while the new storykit will expand a popular collection used by families.
The May Court Club of Chatham is a local service organization focused on addressing community needs, particularly those of women and children, through volunteer work and fundraising.
Over its 90 years of service in Chatham-Kent, the organization has founded the May Court Day Nursery, now known as Growing Together at May Court, operated the Bargain Box on King Street, supported the Neighbourhood Centre for mothers and children in need and recognized outstanding local residents through its Women of Excellence program.
The club currently runs two main service projects: the Emergency Lunch Box Programme and the Queen Elizabeth II Breakfast Program. Members purchase and deliver food and gift cards to 19 schools across Chatham-Kent, helping feed more than 180 students daily. The organization dedicates approximately $30,500 each year to support these programs.
The club also awards the Ann-Marie MacLennan Scholarship for the Arts, named after a past member. The scholarship provides $2,500 annually to a student entering a post-secondary program in the arts or a related field.
In 2025, the May Court Club of Chatham also donated $1,000 to the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre to assist with replacing playground equipment and has supported the Chatham-Kent Public Library through its Literary Angels program, which honours past members of the club.
The organization is currently seeking new members to help continue its community initiatives. Those interested in volunteering can contact maycourtchatham@gmail.com or find more information at www.maycourtchatham.ca.
Chatham-Kent Public Library officials thanked the organization for the donation and said the partnership will continue this spring, when another project supported by the funding will be announced.
