Article Contributed on: 2/10/2009 5:27:17 PM
Millions of Americans are embracing the message of change that rang out from President
Obama's presidential campaign, and volunteering to help our country regain its strength. But for members of the Colorado Foothills Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), this is not change but volunteering as usual.
NCL is a national organization for mothers and daughters that began in 1947 in California by a group of women involved in charity activities. The local chapter in Evergreen (which also serves Conifer, Lookout Mountain, Genesee and surrounding areas) was founded in 2003. Through the organization, mothers and daughters have the opportunity to work side by side in community service.
The Foothills Chapter assessed the community's needs and focuses their volunteer hours on disadvantaged family assistance, senior citizens, special needs individuals, education, land conservation and local arts. Together, mothers and daughters discover the satisfaction, as well as the hard work in helping our neighbors in need.
Some activities include volunteering at after school programs, working at fund raising events of other organizations, rising before the sun to aid in a local bicycle race, stocking shelves at a food bank, and making special event treats for seniors.
In addition to the philanthropic works of NCL, members participate in social activities that strengthen personal relationships with each other. This past fall members participated in the Race for the Cure, dedicating themselves to celebrate the fight of one particular member. Other activities have included learning about other charity groups, such as Project Mercy that raises money for a school and hospital in Ethiopia through the creation of glass bead Hope Bracelets that are sold at Trice Jewelers each December, learning self-defense, celebrating special events, and honoring members at an annual tea.
Every mother knows how quickly our children grow up; through NCL, parent/child relationships and the practice of volunteerism are strengthened to last a lifetime.
For more information about the Colorado Foothills Chapter and/or NCL, Inc. look to
www.ncl.org.