The Oshkosh Service League was founded on May 24, 1919. Since its beginning, the group has been a cornerstone for Oshkosh charities and was the first in the city run and operated by women dedicated to serve the community through charitable enterprises. Through the League’s many decades, the Oshkosh Service League has held monthly meetings to plan service projects, allocate where funds will be given and  strategize fundraising opportunities. Today, the Oshkosh Service League consists of 12 members who are devoted to giving back to women and children in the Oshkosh area through funding and service hours.

The 14 founding members of The Oshkosh Service League came together initially as a sewing group, serving to help needy families within the community and war-torn Europe. As the years went on the women of Service League kept sewing for needy children, but also began fundraising to pay for dental bills, shoes and holiday meals for those in need. In 1927, the group was named  “One of the most charitable organizations in the city!” By 1928, the group had opened their thrift store, which was established in Oshkosh until 2012. The three goals for the thrift store were to recycle possessions, to inexpensively clothe the needy and to return the money in ways that help the community.

Other community projects the League funded and served in the early years were the Mercy Medical Center Mrs. Lillian Loper Clark Loper, war refugees, flood victims, the Elizabeth Batchelder David Children’s Home, Visiting Nurse Camp, The Red Cross, The Community Blood Bank and many more.

Along with the thrift store, Service League members hosted an auction every other year, which is still a tradition today. Although the auctions used to be for women only and hosted at a member’s home and are now co-ed and hosted at local venues; the goal to raise money to give back to those in need throughout the area are still the same.

Today the Oshkosh Service League consists of 12 members who are dedicated to giving back through service and fundraising. In the recent past, the Oshkosh Serive League has raised thousands of dollars through the bi-annual auction and charitable contributions from local supporters. Money raised and service hours completed have gone back to organizations including, but not limited to Christine Ann Center, Tiny Homes, Teacher’s Closet, Rock The Block, Habitat For Humanity, Oshkosh Area School District, SEPO, Celebration of Lights and the Oshkosh Boys and Girls Club.