Major Impact: Assistance League of St. Louis

Imagine trying to prepare for a new school year without basic necessities like clothing and shoes. It’s a situation many area kids face, according to Suzanne Pratl, newly named president of Assistance League of St. Louis. Fortunately, she says, help is available. The nonprofit is part of a national organization that assists with material and practical needs of women and children. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the local chapter is looking to the future with new programs and services to help families thrive.

Pratl says Assistance League of St. Louis has no paid staff and is run entirely by committed volunteers. Known as ‘members,’ they number 490 and are the lifeblood of the organization, she notes. “Being a member is a privilege for each one of us,” she says. “We value each person’s talents and give them every opportunity to learn and grow as they participate in our programs.”

Three of the nonprofit’s initiatives are new this year: Pack for Kids provides backpacks of nutritious food for students on the weekends; Books from Friends fosters a love of reading with new and gently used books; and Beyond the Bell Clothing works with schools, daycare centers and social service agencies to supply non-uniform clothes for kids and young adults. Other programs provide personal care items for women in shelters; tuition help for women in need; stuffed animals and activity kits for kids who are in the hospital or dealing with traumatic events; and new student uniforms and shoes. The organization also runs the Fantastic Finds thrift shop in Creve Coeur, and Assistance League sends donated items it can’t use to other nonprofits so they are not wasted. A scholarship pilot program for women with young families is currently underway.

The list is long, and the impact of all these efforts is significant, Pratl says. During the 2016- 2017 school year, for example, 460 Assistance League members fitted students with 3,300 pairs of athletic shoes and 10,000 pairs of socks. Under the Operation School Bell program, kids receive two pairs of pants, three shirts, a fleece pullover, socks, underwear, toiletries and a book. And the Books from Friends program already has put nearly 4,000 stories into the hands of children. “In all, we touched more than 46,000 lives last year,” Pratl says. “To make that happen, our members contribute about 72,000 service hours each year. They receive intensive training and leadership development to help them serve our clients.”

Pratl says Assistance League is proud to own its new headquarters in Ellisville, which allows it to serve even more residents. The organization is planning a Nov. 4 fundraising gala at Meadowbrook Country Club to bring greater awareness to its programs. “This year we have a new theme, ‘A League of Our Own,’ inspired by the women’s baseball league,” Pratl says. “Rene Knott of KSDK Channel 5 is our auctioneer, and former Cardinals player Andy van Slyke will speak about volunteering and giving back to the community.”

Proceeds from all fundraising efforts stay in the St. Louis area to directly help Assistance League clients. “Our name really says everything about us,” Pratl notes. “We make the community a better place by helping others. We think kindness is contagious.”