The Wyandotte herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1879-1943, 1942-10-09
NEEOLEWORK
GUILD IS 81
YEARS OLD

The Needlework Guild of America
was started 81 years ago by group
of seven young girls, who had no
thought of its becoming Il nationwide
charity, and wO had no special know
ledge of social service or influence.
At once the Needlework Guild be-
gan to grow by the appeal of sinpli-
city in organization, small demands
on the individual giver, and only one
collection a year. That appeal never
has been better expressed than by
President Theodore Roosevelt. who
said that he knew Of mo other ma
tiOnal charity" which did SO much
good with as little red tape, time and
money.
The NeedlewOrk Guild was incor-
ated in 1896, becoming The Needle
work Guild Of America, Inc.
In its 81 years the object has re-
manned the same. Ii is the only na-
tiOnal charity collecting new clothing
and articles of household linen, and
distributing them through established
institutions such as homes, missions,
welfare agencies, visiting nurses. and
to the outgoing patients in hospitals.
1t may well claim the slogan the
charity which helps other charities"
1t is nOn-Sectarian, both as to those
who give and those who receive.
1t is democratic in the best sense,
for anyone above the poverty line may
help, and gifts range from two or
more blankets from the well-tO-do, to
two wash cloths from the one who
cannot afford more.
The minimum is two articles of
wearing apparel. of all kinds for men,
women and children, or household lin
ems, such as blankets, sheets, pillow
cases and towels. While much of the
clothing is made, most of il is bought,
as woven underwear, stockings, ETC.,
are among the most useful. All must
be new.
Or contribution Of money cOnSti-
tutes membership, designated as
money members
Since early in its history, children
have been members of the NeedlewOrk
Guild, it being an ideal way Of inter
esting them in doing for others, with
| out taking too much time from their
school activities. The Camp Fire Girls
are affiliated with the Needlewoork
Guild and do splendid work, as do the
Girl and Boys Scouts. Girl Reserves,
All clubs. school groups and other
groups. many making it their sewing
project. 1t makes learning to sew
| interesting. with a definite goal for
what is made.
In 1907 the Needlework Guild was
affiliated with the American Red
Cross. so that in times of national
calamities the NeedlewOrk Guild can
use its organization to supplement the
needs of the Red Cross. The help Of
| the NeedlewOrk Guild has been ac-
knOwledged many times by the Red
| Cross, and the Guild appreciates being
the only charity affiliated with it. In
the present war, branches are working
in close unity with the Red Cross.
either as individuals or groups Of
Guild members. :
Both the chairman, Norman Davis,
and the secretary, Miss Boardman
nave expressed appreciation TO the
NeedlewOrk Guild for its help in home
defense and the clothing given to the
families OF the men in the services
There are 733 branches in cities and
towns throughout the United States,
with membership of approximately
one million men, women and children.
Men are often the money members"
as they know that a national charity
must have money TO carry on, and are
impressed with the modest budget Of
the NeedlewOrk Guild.
In all the 733 branches, only three
the largest city branches-have paid
secretaries. The other $50 are run en-
tirely by volunteers. The Needlework
Guild has national office at 12O1
Chestnut street, Philadelphia, Pa,
run efficiently by the executive score
tary and staff Of only two others
Dookkeeper, and general secretary.
director Of junior work is the only
other salaried national worker. The
overhead expenses are much less than
the average national organiza ton, and
IL mas grown without the usual paid
publicity.
The NeedlewOrk Guild is often spOk-
en- OF as the last stand for personal
giving, putting thought and interest in
the gift, rather than giving money.
Giving oneself with ones gift" may
not add TO the warmth Of the body.
out 1t does add to the self respect, and
warmth Of heart Of the needy. to
think that someone has cared enough
10 understand that love of pretty
things is not confined to the giyer
alone, and that clothing, though suit
aDle and sturdy. may have also
cOuch OF attractiyeness and an indiy-
Nor q