By Isabella Cook
The Marin Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL), a multi-generational nonprofit organization devoted to philanthropic community involvement, is recognizing the efforts of 17 Marin high school seniors who have collectively given over 3,000 hours of charitable work to the county.
NCL is comprised of mothers (known in the organization as “Patronesses”) and daughters (known as “Tiktockers”) who come together and volunteer in a commitment to community service, leadership development and shared cultural experiences.
“I think NCL is a great opportunity for the girls to get into the community and work with the community,” said Jennifer Lopez, past president and current senior celebration co-chair of NCL. “Some of the organizations we collaborate with work to obtain extra food for those in need—these young adults in NCL get to deliver the food to these organizations, and pass it out to the people, and actually get to see where the food is going. It’s a lovely, lovely experience,” Lopez continued.
The league will honor its graduating class, who collectively contributed 3,026 hours of community service to Marin charities. In a ceremony on May 15 at Corinthian Yacht Club, Tiburon, these 17 Marin high school students will receive awards for their six years of service to more than 18 diverse local charities since 2015. Together with their mothers, these students have volunteered with a wide range of Marin organizations since 7th grade, donating time and effort to endeavors such as feeding the homeless, supporting senior citizens and disabled individuals, and tutoring low-income youth for college success.
“We are extremely proud of the NCL Class of 2022. Not only did these young women develop strong leadership skills, but they also flexed their grit and resilience during the pandemic,” noted Tracy Coombe and Stacey Crawford, chapter co-presidents, in a statement. “Via service to Marin County, this class has built a strong foundation for future success while creating a bond with their community. We are inspired!”
The Marin Chapter of NCL currently boasts over 220 members, all of whom provide hands-on volunteer service for local philanthropic organizations in the community. Members are women and their daughters, grades 7-12, from both public and private schools throughout Marin. Through this community service, NCL strives to assist in the early development of socially responsible community leaders and to strengthen mother-daughter relationships on a deep, personal level.
“Some graduated NCL members come back to talk about their experiences in college and how NCL has helped them, whether it be with public speaking experience, charity work or sorority rushing,” said Lopez. “The girls’ feedback is amazing. They say that NCL has played a huge part in preparing them for leadership roles. It’s nice, when our young women leave NCL, that they’re so comfortable with volunteering that it doesn’t seem like such a big task. They can easily volunteer a couple of hours during the week, and it doesn’t feel like a big load.”
The traditional six-year core program aims to teach young women, from an early age, the importance of community involvement through hard work, awareness and, most importantly, empathy for the people around them.
“This is a call to all 5th and 6th graders and their families to start thinking about joining NCL,” continued Lopez. “If you’re interested, just reach out to your local NCL chapter, get involved and get started as early as you can.”
Those interested in joining the Marin Chapter of the National Charity League may call (714) 966-1005 or email [email protected]. The Marin Chapter includes Tiburon/Belvedere, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Greenbrae, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Ross, Fairfax, San Anselmo, West Marin Communities, Bolinas and Stinston. For more information, visit their website at www.marin.nationalcharityleague.org.
