The Wellesley Service League is on a mission, as stated on the not-for-profit’s website. The group, established in 1927 and headquartered at 219 Washington Street, “provides volunteer services to the community ranging from education, children, elderly, cultural and other charitable interests.”
The 75-80 members are big-time worker bees, collectively putting in over 5,000 hours of service, September through June. Members log hours helping out at about a dozen agencies in our near Wellesley. The fact is, a lot of important work in town would go undone if not for the Service League. Here’s what the League does:
Scholarship program
The Centennial Youth Service Award is given annually to two Wellesley residents in their senior year in high school who have demonstrated a unique dedication and selflessness in a volunteer capacity. Each recipient receives a $1,500 award and their name engraved on a permanent plaque that is displayed on the wall in the Wellesley Community Center.
2024 Centennial Youth Service Award winner
Friendship Circle
Wellesley Friendly Aid hosts Friendship Circle, a program for senior women of all income levels that runs on Mondays, October through May. Participants enjoy a wide variety of activities including speakers such as Massachusetts Representative Alice Peisch; presentations by local quilters, garden clubs and the Wellesley Historical Society curator; craft activities; and holiday festivities. Wellesley Service League provides transportation and wonderful lunches to participants.
The hours fly by
Robust program include an after school program for girls and boys at the Barton Road Community Center; a weekly Friendship Circle social gathering for senior women to enjoy companionship, programs, excursions; and lunch; a monthly senior Men’s Group meeting that typically features a speaker; and the Wellesley Friendly Aid Camp Fund, which ensures that dozens of Wellesley public school children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend camp are awarded this experience.
How to join the Wellesley Service League
- If you’re connected: ask your League friend to sponsor you.
- If you’re new in town: drop an email to ReachWSL@gmail.com and ask for help finding a sponsor.
- There might be a waiting list. They’ll let you know
- Get to work, and have fun.
They’re a little strict
- Attendance at monthly Barn meetings is mandatory. We’re not sure meetings are held in actual barns, which are in short supply in Wellesley. But we love the idea.
- 65 hours of service per year is required of all members.
- All members are assessed annual dues and a Fall Kick-Off meeting fee.
