Members of Soroptimist International of Los Ba&#241;os spent Saturday afternoon providing an annual service that focused on multiple groups of people.</p><p>In the past, members have organized their "Saturday of Service" barbecues for homeless community members. But now because people are hurting financially, members wanted to offer the service to everyone. The meal came complete with a hot dog, chips, fruit and all the trimmings. Soroptimist members and coordinators Lara Olson and Helene Mitchell both agreed the event had a good turnout.</p><p>"Well over a hundred people came," Mitchell said.</p><p>Young girls who attended the event received a bag of goodies made by the members filled with "tween" essentials such as lip gloss, nail polish, pens and pencils, stickers and hand soap, among other things.</p><p>"It's for our future soroptimists," Mitchell said.</p><p>Another group of people Olson and Mitchell wanted to focus on during the event was local women who may ever be in need of the Valley Crisis Center. Coordinators felt it was time to provide something extra for those women: a care package of things they'd need if they ever had to leave their situation with only the clothes on their back.</p><p>Olson and Mitchell put together 15 bags to be kept at the Salvation Army, 1231 Fourth St., and include necessities like sweats and a sweat shirt, toothbrush, socks, a razor, undergarments and other things a women might need in that situation.</p><p>"We've even organized hotel vouchers for a one-night stay if they need it," Olson said.</p><p>The donations are mainly for local women, Olson said, as they've learned of the urgency in Los Ba&#241;os, but anyone in that situation will find the support they need.</p><p>Mitchell added that she's hoping the pair will be able to continue providing this kind of support in the future.</p><p>"We're in close contact with the Salvation Army and the Crisis Center," she said.</p><p>Pastor Joe Roberts of the Salvation Army commended the women for their efforts.</p><p>"It's wonderful what they're doing. We have a turnover of women and kids that are victims of domestic violence on a daily basis," Roberts said. "The Valley Crisis Center provides the support they need. And the networking with the Soroptimists is just awesome."</p><p>Roberts said he's noticed a direct correlation between tough financial times and an increase in domestic violence.</p><p>"I think the community is really appreciative of what they're doing," Roberts said of both the annual barbecue and care packages for women. "There are several homeless people that come here daily for bread and a prayer. We had a lot of regulars come [Saturday], since the Salvation Army and Rescue Mission aren't open. We're blessed to have them here."</p><p>Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com