May 1st was the Assistance League of Wichita DAY OF CARING! Books for young readers (infancy to grade 3) delivered to Hunter Health Clinic by ALW volunteers.ALW volunteers and many friends provided 346 new books or funds to purchase books — multi-lingual, outstanding stories and engaging tales– for young learners and families served by the clinic Pediatrics and Obstetrics Departments.
AMR JOINS THE BOOK DRIVE: AMR jumped into the Book Drive, inviting ALW volunteers to talk with patients and staff about the immediate, positive impact when a child receives a book of their own. The AMR team donated books as well as helped deliver books to the clinic.
THANKS, WATERMARK BOOKS: The exceptional children’s book team at Watermark researched and recommended a variety of books, which ALW purchased with donations.
THANKS TO ALL: ALW volunteers and many friends contributed books and funds.
Susan Walston, Carla Cantrell, Sharon Addington and Jessi Stang
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF WICHITA (ALW) HONORS VOLUNTEERS
ALW members celebrated the year of service to greater Wichita during the late May chapter meeting, Chapter honors were announced and recipients were thanked for their vital work in support of the Assistance League of Wichita mission to transform lives and strengthen community.
THANKS TO GREAT VOLUNTEERS, SUSAN WALSTON, CARLA CANTRELL, SHERON ADDINGTON AND JESSI STANG!
Assistance League of Wichita, now celebrating over 35 years, recognized four dedicated volunteers who have given devoted service to ALW, its philanthropic programs and greater Wichita.
SUSAN WALSTON AND CARLA CANTRELL RECEIVED THE ANNE BANNING LEADERSHIP AWARD
Assistance League founder Anne Banning promoted the growth of volunteerism through leadership and education. Susan, a member since 2017, has done an exemplary job of leading ALW as president this year. Carla, a member since 2016, excelled as chair of the Scholarships Committee. ALW members thank them both for years of leadership and setting a good example for all.
SHERON ADDINGTON AND JESSI STANG WERE RECOGNIZED WITH THE ADA EDWARDS LAUGHLIN AWARD
The Laughlin Award bears the name of Assistance League co-founder who filled the role of hardworking “behind the scenes” volunteer, serving when and where needed. Sherson, a member since 2015 is the hardworking “behind the scenes” member who dedicated countless hours to make our Operation School Bell Program a success. Jessi Stang, has been in an advistory role for financial and legal issues for many years and recently supported our bylaws update effort.
AL WICHITA VOLUNTEERS GO “BACK TO SCHOOL”
at Assistance League Regional Conference hosted by AL Tulsa, June 18-20. With 16 AL chapters (of 120 chapters nationally) present, we are inspired by all of the AL volunteers and gathering new ideas. Equally important we are bound together in our deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of youth and their families.
at Assistance League Regional Conference hosted by AL Tulsa, June 18-20. With 16 AL chapters (of 120 chapters nationally) present, we are inspired by all of the AL volunteers and gathering new ideas. Equally important we are bound together in our deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of youth and their families.
Keynote speaker Sunny Day, Miss Oklahoma 2023, is one example of a student who benefited from AL Operation School Bell for her elementary – high school years. Now a teacher and pursuing her Masters in Counseling, she is one example of the impact we volunteers make in our communities.
ALWichita Chapter members attending included Carolyn Rangel, Vicki Smith, Susan Ensz, Ruth Ann Koepsel, Susan Hussey, Jane Farris, and Mona Hobson.
EVENTS
CELEBRATION
July 27, 2025
ICT OPEN STREETS
TBD 2025
Assistance League of Wichita
Day of Caring, Books for Young Readers
February 24 to March 24, 2025
Gingerbread Village has been a hallmark event for the Wichita Assistance League for the past 28 years. In 2024 it was decided to focus on expanding our Thrift Shop and let Exploration Place continue with this event. A video highlighting Gingerbread Village over the years is available for viewing.
28 Years of Gingerbread Village