In 1930, during the height of the Depression, our founder Mary Butler, wife of Waukesha’s mayor, brought together a group of women to ease local poverty and support the community hospital. Nearly a century later, that same spirit of neighbors helping neighbors drives our mission, a journey you can explore on the Waukesha Service Club History Page.

Today our volunteer membership operates two local businesses built on decades of community care. Our Gift Shop within ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital was established in 1960 to provide support for local healthcare. Our Thrift Shop, currently located on West Avenue, was established in 1934 to deepen community support by providing affordable clothing and household items to local families.

Our mission thrives because of one vital ingredient, community dedication. Members generously dedicate their time, talents, and energy managing and operating our Gift and Thrift Shops and our fundraisers.

Because our shops are staffed entirely by volunteers, we are able to return significant funds to support local families and organizations, including the Lake Area Free Clinic, Food Pantry of Waukesha, the Women’s Center, ACAP, and the Hope Center.

The WSC Gift Shop:

Proceeds from the Gift Shop at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital have long played an important role in supporting the ProHealth Care Foundation. We work closely with the hospital to identify how to best support new projects. Since 1989, more than 2 million dollars has been pledged to enhance patient care, strengthen community health initiatives, and improve the well-being of countless individuals and families throughout the area.

The WSC Thrift Shop:

Since 1934, proceeds from our Thrift Shop, our annual fundraiser, and generous donations and memorials have enabled us to contribute over 2 million dollars to Waukesha County nonprofit agencies. Each year, we invite local organizations to share how a grant would help them make a meaningful impact, and our members thoughtfully select the projects where our community funds can do the greatest good—take a look at the initiatives we currently support!

Family Assistance:

The Waukesha Service Club dedicates approximately $15,000 each year to its Family Assistance Program, providing urgent support to individuals and families throughout Waukesha County. Through referrals from social service agencies and case workers, this program delivers timely help when it is needed most. Since 1989, the club has invested almost $400,000 in bringing relief, stability, and hope to community members facing difficult circumstances.

Fundraisers, Donations, and Memorials:

Our annual Inspired to Serve Fundraiser Luncheon held each October, often provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding community volunteer and brings together partner agencies, members, and families for an enjoyable and meaningful event.

Donations play a vital role in supporting our work, allowing us to allocate funds according to donor intent or direct them to areas of greatest need. This includes memorial gifts, which are carefully managed to honor loved ones in accordance with the donor’s wishes.

Join Us!

The Waukesha Service Club is a place where women come together to grow, support one another, and create meaningful change in the community. Whether you’re hoping to volunteer for important causes, build friendships, develop leadership skills, or simply be part of something uplifting, you’ll find a welcoming circle here. Members contribute in many ways—clerking at both shops, serving on committees or as officers, or taking on roles as buyers or pricers—each helping to strengthen the work we do together.

Not Ready to Join Yet?

You can still support the Waukesha Service Club by making a donation or memorial donation—your generosity helps us sustain vital programs, expand our outreach, and create lasting positive change in our community. Every gift, large or small, directly funds services that improve lives. By donating, you become a partner in our mission and help ensure that essential resources remain available to those who need them most. Please give what you can and share our work with others; together we can make a real difference.

Waukesha Service Club, Inc. is not for profit pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is a nonstock Wisconsin corporation under Section 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes.