Members devoted to their community
Make a difference
Our member volunteers manage a variety of programs to benefit underserved populations in the St. Louis metropolitan region. Each program has a unique delivery model and focus. We provide everything a child needs to wear to do well in school, athletic shoes and socks, personal care items for women and children in shelters, books for aspiring readers, and items to help families through tough times when they can't find help elsewhere.
A generous donation of Vans shoes and clothing to Assistance League of St. Louis will benefit students in the University City School District and in the Ferguson-Florissant School District Students in Transition program.
Assistance League of St. Louis president Denise McKibben said, “Our volunteers work with these two school districts to provide school uniforms, shoes, coats and hygiene products to students through Operation School Bell and STEPS to Success. Counselors and social workers in these districts also identify families in crisis whose immediate needs can be met through our Outreach program. We are grateful to Vans for this donation, valued at more than $39,000, which enabled us to provide an extra measure of support to these school district partners.”
In a recent letter, Gary Spiller, Executive Director of Student Services and Innovation for the University City School District, described the impact Assistance League programs have: “Our students and families in need gain much joy and well-being by being able to select brand new clothing items. Because of you, our students feel a greater sense of confidence and have proven to be more productive when they have access to new clothing. Simply put, when you look good, you feel good, and in general, you do good! The Vans clothing donations are a big hit…. Thank you AL and Vans!”
| "Every year we say, ‘I don’t know how next year’s event could possibly be any better,’ but somehow it seems that it always is." |
Marriott St. Louis West was the scene of this year’s Assistance League of St. Louis (ALSTL) Authors Brunch, a major annual fundraiser to support ALSTL’s five community programs. The sold-out event featured author, Martha Hall Kelly (pictured above waving in the left rear of the audience), whose debut novel Lilac Girls was an instant New York Times bestseller the week it was published and went on to sell two million copies. Hall has since authored three additional best-selling works of historical fiction, including most recently The Golden Doves.
Over 370 guests enjoyed an author meet and greet and book signing, a gourmet lunch, and opportunities to win luxury experiences and baskets. An event highlight was Hall’s in-depth keynote presentation entitled Celebrating Resilient Women.
ALSTL members and guests also shared touching mission moments of resilience, including words from Janie Burse, McKinney-Vento Social Worker in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, who recounted stories of how Assistance League is building resilience in the homes of students and families in her district. She said, “ It is hard to know where to begin to express the incredible impact this amazing organization has had on the students and families in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. The Outreach Program has become a vital resource in serving our families in need.”
ALSTL president Denise McKibben said, “We are so grateful to all who attended the Authors Brunch to support our work in the community. Every year we say, ‘I don’t know how next year’s event could possibly be any better,’ but somehow it seems that it always is. This year’s event co-chairs Nancy Lynn and Jill Greulich led an amazing team of volunteers to plan this outstanding event!”
See more photos in Town & Style and on Assistance League of St. Louis' Facebook Page.
Meet the People Who Help Us
