Kim West

By Staff
Franklin County Times
PHIL CAMPBELL – It would be easy to pigeonhole the Phil Campbell Study Club as simply a social group since it holds its monthly meetings in members' homes and starts and ends each year with a dinner.
However, while the Study Club is not a civic organization, its main purpose is the same – to serve the community.
"Over the years we have done many different projects, and one of the main things we do is hold a fundraiser to give scholarships," said Freda Eubank, club president. "Our money goes back into the community, so we try to come up with something worthy to give our money to."
The club, which was formed in 1951, meets once a month each September through May and has received several honors from the Study Club Federation for its community service projects.
"Over the years we have supported and encouraged many programs," Eubank said. "In the 1980s, we held a big fundraiser and helped raise $3,000 for the Phil Campbell Rescue squad to help buy an ambulance, which won a national federation award.
"We won a $500 Chevron Award in the 1990s for our recycling efforts," said Eubank, who also worked with the Resource, Conservation and Development Council. "The club pushed recycling, and we helped get a recycling trailer. We encouraged the county RC&D to bring a trailer here and got another one by the elementary school."
The club also regularly contributes to other causes, such as churches and needy families, especially during the Christmas holidays.
"We heard about a high school student who wasn't going to have a Christmas," Eubank said. "So we sent her a big package of gifts, and she wrote us the sweetest note – it was just tearful."
According to Eubank, the club is primarily known for giving scholarships each spring to two senior girls at Phil Campbell High School. Last spring Heather Black and Erica Williams were awarded the Study Club scholarships, which vary in amount each year.
"Every year we give scholarships to two senior girls who are graduating if they plan to go to Northwest-Shoals Community College," she said.
The scholarships are merit-based, and the club looks at a student's activities, grades and financial need.
"We look for someone with good potential and who needs help to go to school – someone who probably wouldn't get to go without our help," Eubank said.
The secret to the club's longevity and successful fundraisers is simple, according to Eubank.
"We've always had a really good group of ladies who are hard-working – you can tell by the amount of money we raise," she said. "And we (feel) strongly about the programs we have supported or started. Club members work very hard at our fundraisers, and we're looking forward to another successful year."
In addition to Eubank, club officers for 2007-08 include Jean Duboise, secretary; Nancy Lupton, vice-president; Judy Dodd, treasurer; Karen Townsend, historian; and Helen Pinion, chaplain. For more information about the club, contact Eubank at (205) 993-4470.