By Michele Taranto

A century. That is an impressive operational milestone for any organization, but that is exactly how long the Women’s Community Committee of Norwood (WCC) has been supporting its residents. Their discreet yet invaluable presence is felt all around town. Some many notice their sponsorship through flyers or programs, but their backing is often behind the scenes. See, these women did not join the WCC for the accolades; they joined for the sole reason of aiding their town and enhancing its residents’ experience and quality of life.

“[I joined] for the comradery of the volunteers, the enjoyment of working together, and seeing the benefits to our community,” WCC President Barbara Brieley said. “This gives a feeling of purpose. Norwood, in general, extends care to the members of the community. Need is always there.”

The WCC is a non-profit, 501 © 3 organization with 28 current full time and 11 auxiliary members who donate their time to the WCC.  Of course, over the course of 10 decades, hundreds of women have represented the association for the betterment of Norwood.

This is just a sampling of the tremendous effort and support the WCC provides to Norwood on a yearly basis:

Annually fund seven scholarships and two awards to graduating Norwood seniors

Makes two yearly monetary donations to each school in town

Contribute to the 4th of July and holiday parades

Donate to the summer and winter concerts

Pay for library passes to eight different zoos and museums

Participate in the Halloween Hunt

Sends gift cards to the Senior Center at Thanksgiving and Christmas

Donated to the Salvation Army and school bins

Helps those in need through its social service program

Fulfills special requests at schools for competitions

Continually work with Norwood Fire and Polce in various programs

Supports the Circle of Hope

Work with Meals on Wheels

Contribute to the beautification of Norwood (flowers, trees, benches)

Provide free yearly babysitting course

In their tenure, they have had a hand in many areas throughout town.

Funded dental care to school students

Provided a handicap accessible picnic bench at the Community Garden Apple orchard.

Donated benches for seating and a bookcase to the Morrill Memorial Library

Provided audio books to nursing homes so residents can hear books if they are unable to read

Planted trees on the Town Comon for beautification

Refurbished a room in Norwood hospital

Funded the brick walkway and bench in front of the post office

Many residents may also be familiar with the WCC Thrift Shop in South Norwood. The shop has been operating since 1927, only two years after the organization was founded. It is also proudly one of Norwood’s oldest establishments in continuous operation. Its positive effects stretch throughout Norwood, for all ages and interests. Through its donations and sales, the WCC supports countless local programs, services, and charities. It also provides affordable clothing, shoes, and hard goods to its many patrons who may otherwise not be able to afford the purchases in retail stores. 

“The WCC knows that many people are living paycheck to paycheck so we keep our prices low and do our best to make sure we help as many people as we can through the Shop and our Social Services,” longtime WCC volunteer Deb Reddick said. 

Volunteers are always welcome at the WCC with just a commitment of a few hours per week.

“Be prepared to volunteer in the Shop at least two to three times per month,” Reddick said. “You may have departmental responsibilities. You’ll work hard but the reward of knowing that what the WCC quietly accomplishes is so beneficial to Norwood.”

While the major effort of the organization is the WCC Thrift Shop which provides funding for the projects the group supports, but there is so much work accomplished behind the scenes that various volunteer backgrounds and interests are utilized in many ways.

For an organization to sustain generations, especially when exclusively run by volunteers, it can be credited with the health of its composition and quality of membership. The Women’s Community Committee, Inc. attracts residents of all ages and continues its original mission of giving back and enhancing the lives of its residents. Its success is also conditional on the generosity of those residents through their time, donations, and patronage.  

“Each of us spends about two shifts per month at the shop,” Brieley said. “We also spend further time working in the departments and serving on committees. The WCC has standing committees, including ecology, education, finance, hospitality, publicity, and social service. These committees both keep members in touch with these issues and ways to reach out to the community.”

For a free communal event, and in partnership with The Skating Club of Boston, the WCC is hosting a free skating event on Saturday, Feb. 22, 7:10-9 p.m., 750 University Ave., Norwood. Find thee QR code in the calendar to register or visit the WCC Facebook page (WCC Thrift Shop), or use the QR code on page 2.

To learn more about the Women’s Community Committee and the thrift shop, call 781-762-2991, or visit the shop during open hours: Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Donations of clean, saleable items are accepted on Monday and Wednesday mornings, 9-11 a.m., or during regular retail hours.