Assistance League of Wichita, Inc.

So many children are supported by this great program and volunteers! Clothes, assault survivor kits, teddy bears, books, and other Items are provided.

I have been a member of the Assistance League of Wichita since 2015 and I continue to be in awe of this great organization. Our philanthropic programs reach those who need it most, whether it be full ride scholarships to two technical colleges in the area, providing for students and their parents to shop for new clothes at JC Penney each year, supporting victims of domestic abuse by providing new clothing to wear when they leave the hospital, or our Bear Hugs program that provides teddy bears to child victims of violence. We are a working organization and besides our all volunteer thrift shop, we also raise money through community events. We are an exceptional group of hard working volunteers!

One of my favorite places to shop for sure!!
I enjoy taking friends to also shop because the prices are fair and the merchandise clean and excellent quality.

Knowing that the Assistance League supports young students furthering their education gives me great satisfaction. Ten out of ten on the rating scale, keep up the great work.

Ronda J.

As a board member for Assistance League of Wichita, I am impressed by the dedication of the volunteers who give their time and talents to support the vision of our organization to transform the lives of children and adults through community programs. These volunteers work tirelessly to raise money through our thrift shop, fund raisers, and grant writing to support Wichita public school students through technical/vocational scholarships to graduating seniors and new clothing for preK to 12th grade students. Children of abuse receive bears to comfort them and adult victims receive new clothes to wear home from the hospital. This all volunteer organization works with determination to support the Wichita community.

The Assistance League of Wichita provides committed support to the community. This group just does what is needed to make lives better: from providing scholarships to students that wouldn't have otherwise been able to attend postsecondary programs to giving clothing to students to start school to running a Thrift Shop that provides funding for programs. You will not find a group that works harder to help others.

I believe we all do better when we all do better. The clothes and supplies we give to school children and the college scholarships for high school graduates help accomplish that goal! I’ve been warmly welcomed as an Assistance League volunteer and I appreciate the opportunity in my retirement to be useful and make a contribution . Also, it’s a lot of fun!

I prefer donating my used household and clothing items to the Assistance League because it is run by volunteers, many of whom are retired teachers. All of the money stays local and supports children and families in our community.

The volunteers are so pleasant and grateful when I drop off donations. I feel like I'm contributing gifts that will keep on giving.

The Assistance League of Wichita is a blessing for the Wichita community. It is through the hard work of its members and community volunteers that they are able to support children and families by providing new clothing to students with need, technical /vocational scholarships for students who might not otherwise be able to attend college and support for children and adults with Assault Survivor Kits. ALW truly believes in their motto: Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community.

The Assistance League of Wichita continually seeks ways to help the community. This past May ALW presented 19 full scholarships to 19 students in the Wichita Public school system. The students are using these to attend area Vo Tech schools. All of their school related expenses are covered.
ALW also has funds to provide shopping opportunities for student's pre-12th grade to shop at the west side JC Penny's store for school clothes and uniforms. It is wonderful to see the kids' faces when they are shopping.
Bears Hugs is another great program. New clothes are provided for the male or female victims that have been abused to leave the hospital in. Also, part of this program is providing Teddy Bears to child that have come to the hospital after being abused.

I have worked in higher education for over twenty years and the assistance league has provided educational opportunities to so many amazingly successful students over the years. They constantly poor into our community in many positive ways and are a true gift to our region.

I am more than grateful for this group of ladies that own this thrift store. They have helped my dreams come true by helping me with my education and they have taught me to keep on fighting and never give up! Everything they do for the community is so amazing. I look up to them so much! They are the sweetest people you will ever meet. If you ever pass by their thrift store please stop by! They have so many classic and cute stuff in their store. They help me everyday to be better not only for my family but my community!:)
Susan Acevedo, scholarship receiptent

The Assistance League is operated by volunteers, which means money donated goes directly to the programs funded by the Assistance League. Children in Wichita receive clothing, shoes, coats and hygiene products, assault victims receive clothing and other items at area hospitals, as clothing is often kept as evidence, bears are provided to children in situations involving law enforcement and around 20 scholarships are awarded each year to students pursuing vocational training. In addition, the Assistance League operates a thriving thrift store, providing quality items at a reasonable cost, generating funds for its programs and providing an opportunity to continue to use items rather than ending up in the landfill. The Assistance League is a great organization making an impact in Wichita.

With high school coming to an end I immediately had to think about college but with the prices of college it always gave me a fear because it was pretty expensive. Thankfully my high schools ccc lady told me about this and I immediately applied and thankfully I received this scholarship and with that the fear of the college prices went away and it has also allowed me to achieve my future goals in life.

After moving to the United States from Nigeria during my sophomore year of high school, I knew that I absolutely wanted to further my education but I was worried that I would not receive any scholarships regardless of how good my grades were. During my senior year, I applied to several scholarships but I kept getting rejection letters but Assistance League took a chance on me and changed my life. They paid my tuition and books for two years. With that scholarship, I was able to focus on school instead of having to work two jobs to pay for school. Thanks to the assistance league I am currently in nursing school and I intend to keep working hard and make them proud. Also thanks to them, I was able to meet Mrs. Suzanne Koch who is not just my mentor but someone I consider my family.

A truly dedicated group of volunteers that can move mountains for some in need of help. Getting a suit for a family members funeral, getting a hand up in enrolling in a secondary education plan (nursing, police force, fire dept.) it is amazing what can be done when we work together!

Thanks to all of the volunteers!

The Action Week Committee of the Assistance League of Wichita was in a dilemma as to how to provide for children last February during the pandemic. With schools closed, we were not able to conduct our annual book drive to collect books and deliver to a selected low income school. We met several times thinking of ways to contribute, but each idea met with roadblocks as to how to deliver during a time when schools were not in session.

We began thinking outside the box, and came up with the idea to both educate our members and benefit ICT SOS, a local non-profit that has made significant progress in working to combat human trafficking. Because Wichita is centrally located with 2 major highways linking across the United States, we are a hub for human trafficking.

One of our committee members began researching human trafficking and sent communications to our ALW membership informing them of the
dangers these children meet on an ongoing basis. The response was
amazing and we were able to contribute over $2,000.00 in age appropriate clothing, hygiene items and duffle bags to ICT SOS.

For the past 14 years in my role as College Career Coordinator for Wichita South High School, I have had the immense privilege of working with the Assistance League of Wichita as they provided my students with life changing scholarships. Their unique scholarship opportunity is inclusive, career focused, and goes beyond the dollars donated. Each student who submits an application receives an interview, allowing all applicants to gain a valuable experience, whether or not they are selected. Scholarships focus on opportunities that will specifically lead to gainful employment. Our school's past winners have all come from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. Bright, talented, and determined students that other scholarships may have overlooked (due to a lower GPA, disability, lack of extra curricular activities, or non-citizenship) are given an opportunity to reach for their dreams. Moreover, the organization goes beyond the scholarship to provide valuable mentorship as the students navigate an often confusing post-secondary landscape. This scholarship has been a lifeline to many of my students facing extreme hardships, and I cannot sing its praises enough.

My story with Assistance League Wichita started as a customer at its Thrift Shop, located on east Douglas. Shopping at the Thrift Shop was such a fun experience for me, the store was boutique like, nice and clean and well organized. The people working there were all friendly and always ready to help. After a while, I learned that this is a 100% volunteer run organization and has served the Wichita community since 1987. After learning about its four programs: Operation School Bell, scholarships, Bear Hugs, and Assault Survival kits serving K-12 students, preschoolers, and adults, I was so amazed and decided to join this great organization. I became member of ALW in January 2018 and ever since then, the more I learn about this organization, the more I proud of my decision. All the volunteers working there are devoted to its mission to transform lives and strengthen the community through philanthropic programs. Although this organization is running by volunteers, there is professionalism presented in every action they’ve taken. During the world pandemic era, ALW volunteers follow the mantra: “When you can’t do what you do……. you do what you can”, to carry on the mission and continue to serve the Wichita community when it needs us the most.

I have been a member of Assistance League since 2007. I was so pleased to find a group of women with so much focus and such an intense desire to improve lives for the citizens of Wichita. Our 4 programs, Operation School Bell, scholarships, Bear Hugs, and Assault Survival kits serve K-12 students, preschoolers, and adults. Our work is primarily funded by a thrift shop on east Douglas, local fundraisers, and generous donors. The pandemic has impacted operations, however, our able leadership worked hard to help ALW continue to fulfill our mission. The photo is one of my scholarship mentees and me at Gingerbread Village, one of our family oriented fundraisers.

I love the work they do! They offer great quality products with all of the profits going to serve the diverse and compelling needs of individuals and the community. The shop Is clean and welcoming. The staff is amazing!!!

I believe that Assistance League of Wichita is a great Nonprofit Organization to help students like me get the education we need for our future careers. I would like to talk about Assistance League of Wichita made an astounding impact on me and my family. Assistance League of Wichita made an impact a huge impact on my future because the board members helped me get my education. The best thing about Assistance League of Wichita are the mentor's. They all go out of their way to check on your progress in college. Having a good relationship/bond with your Mentor goes a long way. I would like to thank my Mentor Lottie Miller for always being there for me through my toughest parts during college. Assistance League of Wichita made an impact on my family by helping me get my education I need in order to succeed.

Sincerely,
Robyn A. Godsy

I was the recipient of Assistance League of Wichita scholarship for the years of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. I was so grateful to be one of the recipients. The scholarship helped me a lot to start my path to college. With the Assistance league of Wichita, I accomplished a lot; I got really good grades, all A’s and B’s and I got the honor roll certificate twice. Mrs. Koch, my ALW mentor, was one of the people who stood by me all the way. She is so caring and loving. She still checks on me from time to time and I love and appreciate her so much. With the ALW, I received my associate degree and now I am pursuing my Bachelor’s of biomedical science.
I came here as a refugee with my Mom and my little brother. We really did suffer a lot from the beginning, And we didn't have money saved for college. I was supposed to work at least two years before college to save some money, but I was so blessed to apply for Assistance League of Wichita scholarship. I am very thankful and grateful that the Assistance League of Wichita members trusted me and gave me hope to start my journey and I promise I will make them proud of me one day.

I’ve been a shopper at their thrift store for years now. I love the work they do, and I never think twice when buying at their store because I know my money is benefiting kids. The shop experience is also one of a kind. It’s a clean and welcoming place with the warmest staff. Can’t say enough about them!!!

ALW has the best thrift shop in Wichita - high quality merchandise is beautifully displayed. It is completely staffed by friendly, helpful volunteers who seem to genuinely enjoy helping customers. Not only is it a great place to shop, but it feels good to know that my donations and purchases are supporting new clothing for school children, scholarships, kits for sexual assault survivors, teddy bears for child victims of violence, and books for children.

I first learned about the Assistance League of Wichita (ALW) when I was a member of the Wichita School Board. I was so impressed with their work on behalf of our students, that I immediately became a member when I retired from my paid job at a local university. I volunteered to work ALW’s Operation School Bell program. My task was to hand out hygiene kits to the children/youth as they finished purchasing school clothes. Though I had been told about how some of the children might react when they received their kit, I was not prepared for theIr excitement and, yes, tears. Children literally exploded with joy as they proudly showed their kit to their parent(s). Many times I heard, “look, Mom, I have a toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant.” Wow! What I take for granted in my life was a first for many of the children. I could go on with more stories about my experiences as a member of ALW. I can only say that my two passions in life are improving the lives of children and women. ALW serves both through their philanthropic programs.

I joined in 2007 when I retired and never looked back. This group works tirelessly to make the community a better place.

This organization is great!! I checked out their website and was impressed with the marketing and professionalism. I was looking to donate my stuff to someone I thought would treat it with the respect I thought it deserved. When I got to the store, I was even more impressed. The volunteers were great, the place was packed with shoppers and the layout of the goods was like a well run, boutique retail store. I was amazed by how reasonably priced everything was. I left there feeling appreciated for my donations and grateful that my donations would be treated with care while waiting for their new, appreciative and deserving home.

The Assistance League Wichita (ALW) organization is a hard-working group of individuals who are continually making a lasting difference: teaming with JC Penny's to provide underprivileged children new clothing for school through the Operation School Bell program, providing clothing and toiletries for sexual assault victims to leave hospitals with dignity, and helping child victims of violence providing items of comfort and aid. ALW also offers hope to deserving area high school seniors through two-year scholarships to local vocational and junior colleges.

Upon joining ALW it was made clear to me that they are not a social organization. Not to say there isn’t heart filling fun and laughter in working together throughout the years on various fundraisers and running one of the city’s most successful Thrift Shops. Known more as a boutique than a thrift store. The amazing women who receive daily donations, check and prepare them for use, and show up every Monday to clean and redecorate the entire shop keeping up with supply and seasonal changes. Also, kudos to the cheerful and caring individuals who are the face of ALW in the front of the shop as they greet and help our customers every day in the store and check-out. These individuals keep a pulse on the needs of many of our customers as they create relationships, friendships, and an occasional new member volunteer.

The resourceful ladies of ALW really make the most of donations to the thrift shop and it shows in our happy customers and people in need who shop in our store. Yesterday after a severe drop in temperatures outside, many coats were already stocked and sold as chilly people came in our doors in search of a warmth.

Also impressive is the way the thrift shop ladies help others in the community, repurposing donations that can’t be used by the store, items are sent to other charities. One example I recently heard of is sending torn/worn blankets to the local zoo for the Orangutans, who wrap their babies and themselves in them and have even made hammocks with them. That really made me smile. I’m so proud to be part of this group.

I attended the ALW Day of Author's Event the past two years. It was an amazing day. I would strongly encourage everyone to attend!

Nicest thrift store in Wichita. Clean, well-displayed, and high quality items. This is an all-volunteer organization and the proceeds support local causes.

ALW is an incredible organization. The most impressive part is that it has no paid staff! The women of ALW give back to the community in so many ways. Each time I volunteer is a delight! ALW continually strives to make each event and volunteer experience even better!!

Assistance League of Wichita does amazing work in our community. As a teacher, I have first hand knowledge of how their work allows our Social Workers to help students obtain the proper clothing needed to attend school with a positive attitude about how they look. This service is invaluable to our at risk students who are waging the basic battles of survival at every turn. Knowing that ALW provides this service also encourages me to donate to their Thrift Shop, supporting that mission. I know that my donations are not only treated well and displayed with care, but the profits gained help the clothing mission continue. Additionally ALW's Gingerbread Village addresses another "need" of some students. Those who are recognized by National Honor Society and other honor organizations are encouraged to volunteer at this event. They are helping ALW, serving their community, and positively engaging with others as they assist the members in this endeavor. This type of interaction, all too often overlooked as young people grow and develop, provides them the opportunity to see the benefits of service to others and encourages them to have a giving heart. Assistance League of Wichita is a wonderful organization for our city, serving with compassion and care.

Since 1987 the Assistance League of Wichita has been consistently and quietly supporting children and families in Wichita. This all volunteer organization provides free new clothing to children in need by working closely with school counselors. They provide support to families and children who are victims of abuse by working with area hospitals. They provide financial support to area high school graduates who are pursuing vocational certification and degrees.
The majority of the Assistance League of Wichita funding comes from sales at their local Thrift Shop, again run by Assistance League volunteers.
As a member of the Assistance League of Wichita, I am very honored and humbled by the accomplishments of this organization and the children and families they are able to serve.

We are grateful for the Assistance League of Wichita. This group of amazing women work tirelessly to make sure survivors of sexual assault seen at the hospital emergency department leave in new clothing. This is critical because survivor's clothing is usually taken as evidence. In the past, survivors had to leave in gowns. The Assistance League has changed that! They shop, purchase, and package clothing, underwear, socks, shoes, and hygiene products for the 400+ people we see at the hospital each year. Thank you!
Kathy Williams, Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

There are no words to express the satisfaction that comes in interviewing students who so desperately need scholarships to attend Wichita Technical Institute or Butler Community College to continue to better themselves and their families and then being able to grant those scholarships because of the funds raised by Assistance league of Wichita. Without ALW scholarships those students would not be able to continue their education past high school. With the scholarship one of my mentees is becoming a vet tech and another an automotive mechanic. Impressive, hard working young people whose lives are changed because of the opportunity the scholarship gives them.

I am a faithful customer. I love going in this little store where the merchandise is in excellent condition. The store looks like interior decorators come in and set tone for us shoppers. All the ladies that work there are as sweet as can be and are always willing to help in any way. I would say that these women are like family. It is not convenient for me to come to the store, but I always find the time to go in and say Hi and see what new goodies they have.

Hearing about the great works done by this group, I became a volunteer. Helping assault survivors, scholarships, or new clothes for children in need you won’t find a better organization to support.

I have volunteered with this amazing organization for 2 years now, which pales in comparison to the dedication of those who have served for much more and as many as 31 years. The Assistance League of Wichita is a wonderful example of what people who are willing to give of their time and talents can accomplish. Approximately 3,500 individuals (most of whom are children) are supported annually by ALW volunteers. Thousands of volunteer hours are logged as ALW members work to raise funds to support USD 259 school children in need and individuals within the Wichita community who are survivors of violence. It is an organization of volunteers that I am proud to be a part of.

This organization is one of the most hard working groups with which I have ever been a part. Their programs and willingness to fulfill their obligations to the Wichita community is exceptional. It is a total volunteer organization, with no paid positions. Dedicated members run a successful Thrift Shop,which help to support the programs. The organization gives students scholarships to a community college and a technical School. They support needy children through the Operation School Bell program, having clothed 2714 this year and 78,000 since 1985. They support a program that helps give comfort to abused children. I am proud to be a member of this organization. Prue Schmidt

The Assistance League of Wichita's membership is dedicated to the community and schools. Their philanthropic programs are dedicated to students in Wichita Public Schools with Operation School Bell and vocational scholarships. Another program is Sexual Assault Victim Support and bear hugs for abused children. The members are all volunteers providing support. One more thing, there is a "top-notch" shopping experience at the Thrift Shop @ Douglas and Grove on the south side of the street.

Like many of our volunteers, I joined the Assistance League of Wichita after I retired. As a former School Counselor I had the great joy of taking bus loads of children to Operation School Bell in Idaho. Without this great program, many of these students would not have had school clothing and winter coats. This is only one of the great philanthropic programs offered by the Wichita Assistance League. We also provide vocational scholarships for graduating seniors from local high schools. In addition we provide sexual assault survivor kits to the local hospitals, serving over 300 individuals annually. Our Bear Hugs program provides teddy bears to comfort sexually abused children while they are being cared for at local hospitals. These four programs are funded entirely by the profits from our fabulous Thrift Shop, generous donations from the community, and our annual Gingerbread Gala and Gingerbread Village fund raisers. The Assistance League of Wichita operates entirely with volunteer staff. Having no paid staff, we are able to use all of our resources to help those in our community. The Assistance League of Wichita is 160 members strong with a vision to empower volunteers to make lasting change through community-based philanthropic programs.

The Thrift Shop is the Neiman Marcus of Wichita, but at bargain prices. It is clean, well organized and filled with many treasures. All volunteers are friendly and helpful. The philanthropic programs support children throughout the community by providing clothing and scholarships. Victims of sexual assault are helped by ALW through the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center and local hospitals.

A friend introduced me to Assistance League of Wichita (AL) just prior to my retirement in 2002. I was amazed at the number of volunteers and their excitement and energy in volunteering for this nonprofit. This organization is 100% volunteer! Amazing

Their philantropies are so helpful and needed in the community, and their Thrift Shop is a wonderful place to shop. They have great items that are donated to them and you can get really good bargain prices for quality merchandise.

I enjoy volunteering and knowing that I am giving back to my community at the same time.

I love this place. Very clean and organized. Great customer service and good prices. Thanks!

After I retired I reviewed local non-profit organizations to find one to support. I was amazed at the Wichita Assistance League because it is run entirely by dedicated volunteers and provides support for local causes. Not many non-profits can claim this. It is a great organization! Check it out further at http://alwichita.org/.

We have the best selection of clothes of any Thrift Store I've been in. Every piece of clothing is checked for rips, stains, and missing buttons. Then they are all washed and ironed. Many of our clothes are new and have never been worn. We also have a great selection of men's clothing, including really nice suites.

I have been a member for more than 13 years. Becoming a member is a wonderful way to make new friends while serving the children of Wichita USD259.

I have been a member for a little over a year in this all volunteer philanthropic organization. The success of these like-minded, committed and caring members is phenomenal. In 2013, we clothed over 3,500 students in USD 259, supported 355 victims of rape or domestic violence and granted over $8,000 to post secondary students to complete a job skill or certificate program. It is amazing the difference a small group of dedicated women can do for a community. Our Thrift Shop at 2431 E Douglas is a major part of the reason that we can continue to provide these services. Please drop by and shop or consider becoming a member to connect and care with a wonderful community.