CANFIELD, OHIO - It's not always easy to make new friends when you move to a new town, are a stay at home mom, or spend most of your time at the office. 

"Well I was looking for a way to make friends." That was three years ago, when a neighbor told Julie VanDevender about Welcome Wagon of Canfield.

"These women are fantastic; they all have their different personalities. We do lots of fun things together, so it's been a really great mix," VanDevender said.

We caught up with members at their February meeting at the Vino Novello Winery.  It is a way for Mahoning County women who work inside and outside the home to socialize and raise money for local charities. 

You do not have to be new to the area to join.  Kayte Targove grew up in Canfield, moved away, and then came back.

"You meet people at Welcome Wagon and you can call them up and say I need a babysitter or I need to go out for a glass of wine, who can I go with," Targrove said.

The club was started by ten women in 1958.

"They baked pies and they earned $155 which they gave to Canfield Schools for their gym equipment," said President Jill Daley.

Today, through an action the group raises several thousand dollars annually for more than 20 different local charities.

"The Welcome Wagon name itself is actually part of a for profit corporation. We're not for profit and we're making the change to the Newcomers Club of Canfield as a social organization," VanDevender said.

The club is going to also starting a foundation to become a tax exempt organization.

One of the aspects many of the women really enjoy about the group is that it's so relaxed. It's alright if they miss a meeting and they pay an annual dues of $25 just to have their contact information in the member directory.

"I've found, especially in a small community, let them know and they will come.  Advertising and word of mouth," said member Arelyn Rogus.

Through this group, these neighbors have been able to make wonderful memories and make a difference for those in need in their own backyards.

The group's annual charity auction called Mobsters, Molls, & Marinara is March 23rd from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Antone's Banquet Center in Boardman.  Admission to the dinner is $50.  For more information and to purchase tickets call 330-793-1551.

Welcome Wagon of Canfield is also on Facebook.

"Well I was looking for a way to make friends." That was three years ago, when a neighbor told Julie VanDevender about Welcome Wagon of Canfield.

"These women are fantastic; they all have their different personalities. We do lots of fun things together, so it's been a really great mix," VanDevender said.

We caught up with members at their February meeting at the Vino Novello Winery. It is a way for Mahoning County women who work inside and outside the home to socialize and raise money for local charities.

You do not have to be new to the area to join. Kayte Targove grew up in Canfield, moved away, and then came back.

"You meet people at Welcome Wagon and you can call them up and say I need a babysitter or I need to go out for a glass of wine, who can I go with," Targrove said.

The club was started by ten women in 1958.

"They baked pies and they earned $155 which they gave to Canfield Schools for their gym equipment," said President Jill Daley.

Today, through an action the group raises several thousand dollars annually for more than 20 different local charities.

"The Welcome Wagon name itself is actually part of a for profit corporation. We're not for profit and we're making the change to the Newcomers Club of Canfield as a social organization," VanDevender said.

The club is going to also starting a foundation to become a tax exempt organization.

One of the aspects many of the women really enjoy about the group is that it's so relaxed. It's alright if they miss a meeting and they pay an annual dues of $25 just to have their contact information in the member directory.

"I've found, especially in a small community, let them know and they will come. Advertising and word of mouth," said member Arelyn Rogus.

Through this group, these neighbors have been able to make wonderful memories and make a difference for those in need in their own backyards.

The group's annual charity auction called Mobsters, Molls, & Marinara is March 23rd from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Antone's Banquet Center in Boardman. Admission to the dinner is $50. For more information and to purchase tickets call 330-793-1551.

Welcome Wagon of Canfield is also on Facebook.