Subscribe
Community
Helpers extend a hand to Africa
Group collects supplies, clothing for needy people
Friday, May 22, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by MEREDITH SOMERS
Members of the Willing Helpers Society outside their building on Washington Avenue in La Plata are, in the front row, Barbara Green, left, Laura Pirre, Doreen Dent and Gloria Jefferson. In the center are Hazel Wood, left, and Lelia Hicks. In the back are Margaret Seward, left, Louise Green, Evelyn Farmer-Brown, Sheila Cole, Lucille Mason and Deborah Bivans.
|
E-Mail This Article
On a gray Sunday afternoon, a dozen women with big hearts packed up equally large boxes of shoes and clothes to send to Africa, hoping to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged men, women and children.
And while this might be the first official effort by the Willing Helpers Society Inc. to send supplies to Africa, it's certainly not its inaugural attempt to make the world a better place.
"The society started in 1903 — and remained — as a way for people to have something to do, and to help the community," said Gloria Jefferson, the group's treasurer.
Since its establishment more than 100 years ago, Willing Helpers Society members have hosted meals and clothing drives, and their building on Washington Avenue has played home to movie nights, church services and studies.
During the mid-20th century, the structure served as a school for some of the children who are now ranking members.
Membership fluctuates between 15 and 30 people at any given time.
"This nonprofit organization was started by blacks for blacks," said President Louise Green.
With that mission in mind, the willing helpers of Willing Helpers embraced the idea of helping individuals in Africa take a step in the direction of success.
Jefferson said she and her husband had been sending boxes of clothing and supplies to Africa for about two years. A former Maryland resident had moved to the distant continent and sent word back to Jefferson of a need for clothes and shoes.
"The men and women over there need clothes to get back into the workforce," Jefferson said. "Most of the clothes for the children go to an orphanage. My contact makes sure the clothes get where they should go."
"Gloria said to us, ‘This is what we need to do …' and everybody decided that that was what we needed to do," said Evelyn Farmer-Brown.
Donations this first official time around filled about 20 boxes, and already the society is planning to send another shipment.
"All we gotta do is say there is a need, and it'll come," Jefferson said.
Along with used — clean — clothes, the society is asking for personal hygiene products and toiletries; no liquids. Sanitary napkins for women are also an important need, and school supplies for children are encouraged. Monetary donations to cover shipping costs are also welcome.
To learn more
For more information about the Willing Helpers Society and its clothing and supplies drive for impoverished African citizens, call Louise Green at 301-932-2370 or Evelyn Farmer-Brown at 301-843-7243. Mail can be sent to Willing Helpers Society Inc., P.O. Box 2714, La Plata, MD 20646.
