Assistance League Chicagoland West recognized for 30 years of service

By Anna Hughes

On May 1, the Village of Hinsdale recognized the women of Assistance League Chicagoland West with an official proclamation for three decades of service to the community.

“For 30 years, their volunteer-driven work has supported thousands of individuals and families across our area,” Village President Greg Hart said via social media. “It is a great reminder of the impact that committed community members can have when they come together with a shared purpose.”

Founded in 1996, ALCW is one of 95 chapters of Assistance League, a national organization that has been transforming lives since 1935. Each chapter works independently to identify and target the most important issues facing its local community.

“[Our chapter] was pretty small [when it started], and it was basically providing essentials for school kids for winter coats, hats, and gloves. And from there, as we gained in membership and started raising more funds, we thought, ‘What else can we do?’” president-elect Erin James said. “We consistently look at what the needs are in the community and develop new programs or expand current programs.”

The organization serves over 11,000 people in Western Cook and DuPage counties through programs that support education and self-reliance. From giving books to preschool and elementary-aged students without any at-home resources, to stocking social workers’ closets with extra clothing and personal hygiene products, to providing new kitchen essentials to those leaving homelessness for independent living, all of their programs strive to create an equitable, safe, and supportive environment.

“We did about 269 kitchens last year [for] people leaving homelessness, and we work with local agencies like Catholic Charities, or Pads, or BEDS Plus, or Bridge Communities,” James said. “We even provide a cookbook, so that the day they move in… they can cook a meal for their family.”

But it’s about more than just donating a book or a coat. Each volunteer takes time to read with each student and ensure that each coat fits perfectly. These moments are memorable for both the women of ALCW and the recipients.

Left: Sarah Carr-Legg helps provide students with new winter coats. Right: Cathy Fisher reads with two students from Holmes School.

“Our teachers tell us that [students] wore their coat home, even though it was 60 degrees,” James said. “Sometimes they give you a hug, or they’ll look at you, and they’ll go, ‘I remember you from last year.’”

The personal nature of ALCW is what drew James to join, and she said the same is true for many of their 125 members.

“They like the idea that it’s hands-on, you’re not just writing a check, we’re not just raising money to give money to other worthwhile organizations,” James said. “We love when people do that, because we hope we benefit from that! But the money we raise, we put back into the community in terms of things.”

Last year, the organization had a budget of $500,000, and 86 cents of every dollar went directly into the community. Much of that funding is generated at their annual Books & Brunch event, which raised $275,000 last November.

“We had a video [at Books & Brunch] that talked about each of our programs, and we had some of the recipients in that video, and people were literally moved to tears and writing checks,” James said.

During the 2024-2025 fiscal year—thanks to generous donations and the dedication of members, who contributed 12,500 volunteer hours—nearly 2,000 elementary school students received new winter coats, hats, and gloves; 389 middle school students purchased new school clothing; 103 homeless high school students participated in their Holiday Shopping Day; 585 students brought a new book home; and so much more.

“I love working with these women,” James said. “They’re smart, they’re kind, and they know how to get stuff done.”

For more information on Assistance League Chicagoland West and the work they’re doing in the community, visit ALCW.org. 

From left to right, Diane Kurtz, Bijal Doshi, Donna Franklin, Rickeia Lessig, Erin James, Virginia Sommer, Chris Hotchkin, and Karin Mullins participate in an ALCW Shopping Day.