My Nonprofit Reviews

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.