This spring, I had the honor of serving on United Way’s selection committee for the 48th LIVE UNITED Awards, celebrating local volunteers and nonprofits. It was nearly impossible to compare the impact of the different organizations and individuals, but one of the most impressive nominees was the Monterey Bay Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. The other committee members agreed, and Monterey Bay’s National Charity League was named the LIVE UNITED Awards 2024 Community Service Group winner.
Across the United States, the National Charity League (NCL) organization collectively donates nearly three million service hours each year to over six thousand charities nationwide. NCL gathers females/individuals who identify as female in seventh through twelfth grade and their mothers to build confidence and become “capable, courageous leaders” while positively impacting their communities. A Charity Navigator four-star-rated organization, their mission is “Fostering the mother-daughter relationship through an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture and leadership.”
The Monterey Bay chapter was chartered in 1991 and has over 220 active members. The chapter currently works with around 30 philanthropy partners, from the Blue Zones Project to the Equine Healing Collaborative to Juneteenth to The Kindness Campaign.
“The Monterey Bay Chapter is proud to support a diverse array of philanthropies, including initiatives focused on education, health, welfare, environmental conservation, and the arts. Each of these causes is close to our hearts, as they reflect the pressing needs of our community and the broader world,” shared chapter president Jeannette Witten. “Being part of NCL allows my daughter Heidi and I to contribute to these vital efforts in a hands-on manner, enriching our lives and those of others in immeasurable ways,” remarked Witten.
Meet a few NCL MEMBERS:
SHIRA DIALLO & ZAINA DIALLO
Shira Diallo and Zaina Diallo, a junior at York School, celebrate at the 2024 Martin Luther King Day Book Drive, where the National Charity League donated 2,500 children’s books to philanthropic partners. Vice President of Philanthropy Shira Diallo led the drive with two others.
FAVORITE NCL MEMORIES
“We really love Philanthropy Day because it is so amazing to see all the hands and hearts working to support so many local charities. Also, we love the Christmastime things like Salvation Army angel tags and Community Partnership for Youth Adopt-a-Family Shopping Day at Kohls. These things really kick-start our holiday season of giving, serving and working for this community that we love so much.”
HOW HAS NCL IMPACTED YOU?
“We have been members for three years and it has been a great organization for our bond. The growth has been so profound. We connect in a way that allows us to share our individual strengths, leadership skills and passion for community. We are growing together and witnessing each other’s individual growth in real time. It’s amazing.”
LUCIE HAZEN & PHOEBE HAZEN
Lucie Hazen and her daughter Phoebe Hazen (pictured in costume) volunteered regularly for MY Museum at the Potter the Otter exhibit at Del Monte Center in spring 2024. They also participated in Pass the Word Ministry’s mission to feed local unhoused people, and holiday shopping with Community Partnership for Youth Adopt-a-Family. Phoebe is a freshman at Pacific Grove High School.
FAVORITE NCL MEMORIES
“Preparing food for Dorothy’s Place in Salinas has lingered with us. It offered a glimpse into the difficulties faced by some in our area, motivating us to give back.”
HOW HAS NCL IMPACTED YOU?
“Time spent volunteering together is a gift (though sometimes an early weekend morning leads to grumpiness)! We have special moments in service together that don’t generally happen in our daily lives, which brings us closer. We have also met many lovely people and made new friends, gaining a stronger sense of community.”
KATIE SCHIPPER & CHARLOTTE SCHIPPER
Charlotte is a sophomore at Stevenson High School. Katie Schipper and Charlotte Schipper are participating in their fourth year of NCL.
FAVORITE NCL MEMORIES
“We have enjoyed volunteering for Pass the Word, MY Museum, Nancy’s Project, and many other organizations. Pass the Word is a nonprofit that seeks to provide food & clothing & bicycle distribution every weekend to the locally marginalized in Monterey County: we have cooked breakfast, assembled sandwiches, and helped distribute various necessities. For MY Museum, we have volunteered at the 4th of July Pancake breakfast, the Noon Year’s Eve celebration, and other fun events where we interacted with local children and their parents.”
They also participated in the Annual Philanthropy Day bean-bagging event, when the membership repackages thousands of pounds of pinto beans supporting low-income farm families through Nancy’s Project.
HOW HAS NCL IMPACTED YOU?
“We joined NCL when Charlotte started 7th grade. We enjoy working together at events and on projects that benefit our community.”
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