WALLACE — There are many reasons why pursuing a college education can be interrupted: family emergencies, financial catastrophes or the joy of bringing a new child into the world, but for women in need to spur on their studies, Philanthropic Education Organization International hopes to be there.

Chapter X of the women's education nonprofit is currently conducting a holiday fundraiser now through Nov.13 to fund scholarships for high school students along with grants and loans which are used for women who have had their education interrupted to return to their studies.

Philanthropic Education Organization International was formed in 1869 to provide women with the means to pursue educational opportunities. The Wallace branch is one of two chapters in the Silver Valley and there are also several neighboring chapters of the international organization in Kootenai County.

Liz Stepro is president of Chapter X in Wallace is proud of the legacy that the international organization has created, citing the fact that there are now about 6,000 chapters with 500,000 members in total.

“Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of women. It’s really stayed focused on getting women educated. We’re small locally, but we’re always on the lookout for women,” Stepro said.

The women using the PEO to forward their educational goals have had financial crises come up that have caused them to pause school while they join the workforce or make time for education after having children.

One of the most compelling parts of the sisterhood of the agency has been seeing how word of mouth from those who receive grants or loans to help pay for their schooling has helped PEO find the next group of women to fund. 

“They just pass the torch along. Two gals passed it on to two more women and they’re just paying it forward,” Stepro said.

Chapter X is hosting a Christmas wreath fundraiser with fresh mixed green wreaths and berry wreaths. Order can be made by emailing Stepro at gizmoliz@hotmail.com.

Orders due by Monday, Nov. 13, and wreaths will arrive by Friday, Dec. 1.

To learn more about the organization, visit peointernational.org.