Who We Are Founded in 1926, The Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society is a non-profit, philanthropic organization with a focus on community service and fundraising efforts to help improve the lives of those in need in Glen Ellyn and the surrounding communities. With over 75 active members and a strong connection and support from hundreds of legacy members throughout the country, GEIW is able to provide resources and funding for over 15+ established organizations throughout the Western Suburbs as well as annually providing full scholarships to the College of DuPage for 3 students. Why We Do What We Do With nearly 10% of people in DuPage County living at or below the poverty level, the need and reliance on outside assistance and support has grown over the last decade. So many rely on private and public resources and organizations for basic needs like food and shelter, with most food pantries experiencing historic demand. The need for resources supporting mental health, early childhood development, reading and education, victims of domestic violence, teen pregnancy and substance abuse recovery are just some of the groups that GEIW helps through financial contributions and member volunteer efforts. With the continued support of the community and generous sponsors and donors, Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare has been a bridge to reaching and supporting at-risk children in the Glen Ellyn area for almost 100 years. One hundred percent of the funds raised from various events throughout the year are distributed directly to local agencies and organizations in their mission to improve the lives of others. The scholarship committee works closely with high school counselors to identify and award full time two-year scholarships to high achieving students who would otherwise not be able to continue their education.
The emergency fund team works with local agencies to address immediate needs of a family in crisis, such as purchasing a mattress for a homeless family moving into their first apartment, a car sear for a new mom in need, or a warm coat for a student facing winter without one.
The volunteer and fundraising committees mobilize volunteers at local agencies including, the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and Bridge Communities, and host fundraising events including the annual Housewalk, fall and spring flower sales and popular social auction events, Monte Carlo Night and Dancing With The Stars. Our History GEIW was founded in 1926 when five women living in Glen Ellyn noticed children in the community lacked basic nutrition. Together, they created and sold aprons and used the proceeds to buy milk and bread for the families. GEIW was established and a few years later, used funds to pay half the salary for the first village nurse and purchased the first incubator for premature babies at Memorial Hospital of DuPage County and also a children’s defibrillator for the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company.
Although the needs of the community have evolved, the members of GEIW remain committed to the caring for and supporting their neighbors.