Glen Ellyn group has long history of putting kids first
Some say it takes a village to raise a child. In fact, it's the mission of the Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society.
The group of women work together to raise money for groups in Central DuPage County that care for children and families who need a bit of extra help. The society supports more than 20 organizations, from Bridge Communities and Family Shelter Service to Marklund Charities and the Phillip J. Rock Center and School.
On Friday, the society hosts its 25th annual Housewalk, featuring four stately Glen Ellyn homes. The event is its biggest fundraiser of the year.
"We strive to raise $50,000 from this one-day event," society President Alison Park said, adding that all proceeds are distributed to the agencies the society supports.
Park tells us more about the Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society.
Q. What is your mission?
A. Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare is a society of women who have made a commitment to ensure the well-being of Glen Ellyn's children. Through its community service projects and fundraising efforts, this society serves as an integral link between children in need and the community.
Q. How do you work toward accomplishing that goal?
A. We raise funds through plant sales, various fundraisers and our annual house walk.
Q. Who do you serve?
A. We serve children in crisis or need who live in school Districts 41, 87 and 89.
Q. When and why did the organization start? How has it grown?
A. GEIW was established in 1926 by five women who saw children lacking basic nutrition. The ladies of GEIW made and sold aprons to buy milk for these families. Early in our history, we paid half the salary for the first village nurse, established Glen Ellyn's first preschool examination program, and gifted to Memorial Hospital of DuPage County its first isolette for premature babies.
Recent efforts include funding a children's defibrillator for the Glen Ellyn Fire Department, providing ESL software to schools and giving annual scholarships for Glen Ellyn students to attend the College of DuPage.
Q. What challenges does the organization currently face?
A. Recently, we have seen an increase in the number of requests to aid families and children in crisis in our area. Additionally, the agencies we serve have greater needs this year because of the downturn of the economy.
Q. What do you wish the community at large knew about the organization?
A. We are a group of women who donate their time and talents toward the common goal of improving the welfare of those in need. We work very hard to raise money each year while also meeting new people and serving our community.
Q. How can readers get involved?
A. Please visit our Web site at glenellyninfantwelfare.org.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What: </b>Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society's 25th annual Housewalk</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8</p> <p class="News"><b>Details:</b> Tour includes four Glen Ellyn houses; proceeds distributed among 22 Glen Ellyn agencies</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets: </b>$35 at the door; $30 in advance, available at Ali Kat, Cab's Bistro, Fuschia, Glen Ellyn Park District, Knickers, Schmid's, Sign of the Whale, Toms-Price Home Furnishings or any society member</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 464-5872 or <a href="http://www.glenellyninfantwelfare.org" target="new">glenellyninfantwelfare.org</a></p> <p class="breakhead">Vital statistics</p> <p class="News"><b>Amount raised for other organizations:</b> On average, $100,000 per year raised and distributed to 22 service agencies in Glen Ellyn that assist children in crisis and need</p> <p class="News"><b>Number of members:</b> 60</p> <p class="News"><b>To donate:</b> Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare, P.O. Box 273, Glen Ellyn IL 60138</p>