About Us
The Original Willing Workers Society is a Detroit-area organization made up of women (some mothers and daughters, 4th and 5th generation members) dedicated to charitable, educational, and civic endeavors.
Founded November 30, 1887, the Society grew from the desire of Mr. H. C. Clark (a noted Negro gardener) to aid Detroit's growing population of needy Negro families.
Mrs. Clark and 20 friends raised funds by sewing and selling quilts and collecting 5-cent weekly dues. They provided families with food, clothing, coal, rent payments and loans.
Fundraising evolved to White Elephant sales, craft auctions, fashion shows and theatre parties, allowing provisions for the Phyllis Wheatly Home, the Delta Home for Girls, Goodwill, Red Cross, Salvation Army, COTS, Crossroads, Hospice, St. Christopher House and many others. From 1949 through the 1980's, members also made dresses for the Ruth Alden Drive and cancer pads for the American Cancer Society. Today, we continue to provide food, clothing and toys to families, and layettes and toys to Children's Hospital.
The Society has received praises and awards from W. E. B. DuBois, the Detroit Heirloom Society, United Community Service, the United Foundation, the State of Michigan, and from the City of Detroit--the Detroit 300 Heritage Award. We have also been honored with exhibits at the Detroit Historical, and Afro-American Museums.
Founded November 30, 1887, the Society grew from the desire of Mr. H. C. Clark (a noted Negro gardener) to aid Detroit's growing population of needy Negro families.
Mrs. Clark and 20 friends raised funds by sewing and selling quilts and collecting 5-cent weekly dues. They provided families with food, clothing, coal, rent payments and loans.
Fundraising evolved to White Elephant sales, craft auctions, fashion shows and theatre parties, allowing provisions for the Phyllis Wheatly Home, the Delta Home for Girls, Goodwill, Red Cross, Salvation Army, COTS, Crossroads, Hospice, St. Christopher House and many others. From 1949 through the 1980's, members also made dresses for the Ruth Alden Drive and cancer pads for the American Cancer Society. Today, we continue to provide food, clothing and toys to families, and layettes and toys to Children's Hospital.
The Society has received praises and awards from W. E. B. DuBois, the Detroit Heirloom Society, United Community Service, the United Foundation, the State of Michigan, and from the City of Detroit--the Detroit 300 Heritage Award. We have also been honored with exhibits at the Detroit Historical, and Afro-American Museums.
