Palos Park Service League

Founded 1939

P.O. Box 221, Palos Park, Illinois 60464
Learn about PPSL's: Beginnings, Philanthropies and Meetings and more information.

Our Beginnings.........

On February 6, 1939, 14 women met to form what is now known as the Palos Park Service League. These women agreed to meet in the members homes and the dues were assessed at 25 cents per month. The purpose of this new organization was to help others. These women agreed to donate some of their spare time as volunteers at Oak Forest Hospital. Teams of two women would earn $10.00 per year to be used to purchase food for the needy at Christmas time. During the year these women collected clothing, toys and household items to be included in Christmas baskets. To earn money, the women baked cakes and cookies. The first Chairwoman was Peg Gibbons.

In the 50's, the Palos Palos Park Service League increased its' membership to 20 members. To earn money for their favorite philanthropies, the group organized a violin recital performed by a local violinist. They also planned a Country Fair. At the fair, baked goods, plants, antiques and hats were sold. For the children, there were many games, pony rides, carnival booths and a pet show. Near the close of the 50's the first Fashion Show was held. The proceeds from the various projects were used to establish a Loan Fund for Leukemia Children at Roberts Hospital.

In the 60's the League sponsored a summer theater series at the Village Courtyard. The productions were performed by professional theater groups. The fashion shows moved from the Community Center to the Drake Oak Brook Hotel; fashions were from Bonwitt Teller. During the summer before the fall fashion show, members worked hard at making their unusual centerpieces. The charities supported by the League increased to include the Leukemia Fund, the establishment of a Psychiatric Fund to purchase needed equipment for the treatment of children at Roberts Hospital, support of the Community Center for Social Welfare. The Service League worked with the Community Center Foundation to form this latter agency.

In the 70's the May Market was instituted as a spring benefit and has changed somewhat over the years.

In recent years the League holds two major benefits each year. The Spring Flower Sale in May and the Fall Fashion Show in October. These two events underwrite our various philanthropies within the community. The public can support their continuing efforts by patronizing these two very worthwhile events.

Our Philanthropies...................

The American Indian Center
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School Scholarship Fund
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School Senior Nite
Carl Sandburg High School Scholarship Fund
Carl Sandburg High School Senior Nite
The Community Center Foundation of Palos Park
Crisis Center for South Suburbia
Elim Christian School
Joseph Kennedy School for Exceptional Children
Kosovo Refugees
Libra School
Local Food Pantries
Leukemia Fund Wylers Hospital
Metropolitan Family Services SW
Moraine Valley Community College Returning Woman's Program Scholarship
Needy Families in the Palos Area
Park Lawn
Palos Fire Protection District
The Palos Park Fine Arts Association
Palos Park Library
Palos School District 118
Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) for Local Food Pantries
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Swallow Cliff Dance Company
Taste of Palos

Our Meetings.....................

Regular meetings are held on the Third Monday of each month. August through June at 8 pm at the home of one of the members. Our business meeting is followed by refreshments.

Guests Are Welcome

More information about Palos Park Service League may be obtained by calling 708-448-9551.