About the Help Center
Our Story
In 1969, an informal group of about 15 or 20 individuals got together to visit nursing homes. Their goal was to help the residents by sponsoring and taking part in bingo games, birthday parties, sing-alongs, telephoning, visiting or any other activities that would bring some happiness to the elderly, the lonely or the poor. In those days, a typical nursing home did not have as many social activities as they do today. Enter George and Esther Reed, a Brookfield couple that began the movement of volunteers that continues today. One day, so the story goes, while at a care home, they came upon an elderly lady who was in need of a decent bathrobe. The lady had no means or even family that could supply her one. Word went out among the group to find out id anyone could supply a good, serviceable bathrobe. This started a chain reaction of collecting clothing that would be given to the needy. Within a few years, the organizers had a garage full of clothing. By June of 1972, the group realized the need to have a more formal organization. So they established a charitable trust with a constitution and bylaws. They soon rented a small retail storefront on 60th Street and North Avenue. This became the place where the group would accept and distribute clothing to the needy, thus following their mission. With many form the original group plus more volunteers, and Fr. Gene’s guidance, by 1985 they formally incorporated as a tax exempt, charitable organization. About that time, they purchased the present building at 5919 W. National Avenue. This building was to be used for a warehouse but also for clothing collections and as a distribution center. Since then, the HELP Center has branched out into several programs including: • Several food-based programs • Scholarship programs for needy children and their families • Joint community programs with other charitable organizations All this started with a simple bathrobe. HELP-ing others is an amazing thing indeed! |
How You Can Help
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