HISTORY

WHJWC was established in 1944 as a service organization under the Massachusetts Federation of Woman's Clubs.  WHJWC originally had a membership of 45, and now has a chartered membership of 80 women.  Although WHJWC provides an opportunity to develop new and lasting friendships, we are primarily a service organization dedicated to helping the Wellesley community.  Throughout our history, we have answered the changing needs of our town.

WHJWC has served the community in various ways for several decades, through such activities as aiding children during the polio epidemic of the 1950s, assisting veterans, working with the elderly (Friendship Circle, Holiday Caroling, May Baskets), eye screening of preschool children, distributing safety films and pamphlets, organizing a story hour at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital's Pediatric Wing, and creating a town-wide safety day.  Community service has recently expanded to include the opening and operation of a Teen Center, volunteering at homeless shelters and battered women's shelters, and assisting the Wellesley Food Pantry.

Donations and scholarships are made to groups and individuals in the Wellesley area via our three major fundraisers.  In 1968-69, the Wellesley Phone Book was first published and has become our most profitable activity.  Marketplace, a popular craft fair, began in 1974-75 and has since gained national attention.  In 1999, members and sustainers launched the Kitchen Tour, which has become an annual spring event which is widely anticipated by the community.  Through these fundraising activities, in 2007-08, WHJWC was able to donate nearly $200,000 to scholarship recipients and local charities.

Since 1950, WHJWC has received citations from the General Federation, the Sears-Roebuck Foundation, and many other philanthropic organizations.  WHJWC has also received the Liberty Mutual Award.  In May, 2006, WHJWC received a Community Service Award from the Town of Wellesley in recognition of WHJWC's 62 years of service to Wellesley and the surrounding communities.  The award was presented at the town's 125th Anniversary Celebration.