We assist DAR supported schools through donations of Box Tops for Education and provided backpacks filled with school supplies.
In the past, we also collected Campbell’s UPC labels and gently used clothing for resale.
We sponsor awards for local children participating in the Manatee County History Fair.
Our chapter actively supports outstanding students in their pursuit of obtaining DAR Scholarships.
We are generous financial supporters of all DAR Schools.
Manatee Chapter donates hygiene products supporting the young women at Crossnore School
Martha Stanislawski presenting donated items to State Chairman
Community Partnerships Reap Rewards
When the State Conservation project “Wands for Wildlife” was announced, Manatee Chapter’s Conservation Chair, Holly Wilson, jumped right in to collect mascara wands for Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. She collected individual mascara wands from neighbors and family members.
But the numbers escalated when we partnered with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch (AMITW) who embraced the project and reached out to their 80 + volunteers. The island paper published an article about the project and mascara wands came in from all over Anna Maria Island. When an AMITW volunteer brought mascara wands from a glamour salon, we reached out to other salons who donated brand new disposable wands. We then contacted the local community college and their cosmetology program donated 200 more disposable wands.
When our members heard about these sources, they also purchased brand new mascara wands adding to the total number donated……1,749!
We couldn’t have done it without these community partners.

Holly Wilson – 1749 Wands for wildlife
NSDAR National Award for Outstanding Constitution Week Leadership
given to our very own, Barbara Mills.
Constitution Displays
Manatee Chapter daughter, Madeline Rementer created for both the Central & Braden River Libraries these informative and attractive displays. They provide details on the US Constitution and encourages youngsters to read and learn about the founding of our Nation.
Constitution Essay Winners –
“What The Constitution Means to Me”
L-R 2nd Place, Lakewood Ranch; 1st Place, Braden River; 3rd Place, Lakewood Ranch; 4th Place, Bayshore; 5th Place, Manatee
Thank you Saint Joseph’s Catholic School, 2019 History Essay Award Winners
Winners representing the 6th, 7th & 8th grades.
Our 2019 Good Citizen Award winners
L-R Regent Margaret Smelser: recipients from Palmetto HS, St Stephens and Southeast HS
Chapter Members are actively engaged in Conservation efforts.
We are excited to serve as beach monitors for nesting sea turtles and provide education to hundreds of Anna Maria Island visitors.
We have established pollinator gardens, participate in Earth Day clean-up efforts, lead bird walks
and serve as bird naturalists participating in the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
Earth Day
L-R Holly Wilson, Kathy Doddridge & Suzanne Cochran
National Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Far Left: Fran Kramer Far Right: Kathy Doddridge
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch
L-R Fran Kramer, Mary Breaux, Kathy Doddridge, Julie Moore & Sharon Spry
Thank you Saint Joseph’s Catholic School! 2017 History Essay Award Winner

5th Grade – 2017 History Essay Contest Winner

6th Grade winner, 2017 History Essay Contest

7th Grade History Essay Winner – 2017
Our 2016-2017 DAR Good Citizens Award Winners

Palmetto High School Award Winner

Lakewood Ranch High School Award Winner
Our 2015-2016 DAR Good Citizens Award Winners
Our 2013-2014 DAR Good Citizens Award Winner
Our 2012-2013 DAR Good Citizens Award Winner
This student also placed third in the state competition.