Happy 100th, Neighborhood League!

Have you ever wondered what The Neighborhood League Shops are all about?

It may surprise you to learn that The Neighborhood League is a local organization that runs three shops in downtown Wayne, and that the profits from those stores go to local charities. The organization is celebrating 100 years in existence.

The Neighborhood League Shop, The Clothing Shop, and the Alley Door are all successful and popular consignment stores, for which people travel from all over the region. But bolstering them is an organization that was born right here for the purpose of providing health care to those who had none.

• In 1912, nine women from Wayne organized The Neighborhood League "to promote moral, social and physical betterment in the community." A visiting nurse on horse and buggy would provide health care to those who could not afford it.

• In 1925 a small shop opened on North Wayne Avenue. In 1931 The Women's Exchange, which closed in 2011, opened as a way for women to augment their incomes.

• In 1944 the buildings on Lancaster Avenue and Louella Court, which the organization still owns, were purchased.

• In 1996 the organization became a 501(c)(3) foundation to support local charities.

Last year The Neighborhood League donated money to the following organizations:

Wayne Senior Center

Peter's Place

Women's Resource Center

Timothy School

The Clinic

Foundation for Learning Tredyffrin/Easttown

Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line