Our History

Over the years, Overlake Service League has worked closely with the community to provide assistance for immediate needs as well as programs that build better futures.

In the early days, the League provided Holiday Food Baskets to those in need and sometimes a hot dinner, when a mother was ill and unable to care for her family.

Members made layettes and convalescent robes, personally escorted children and the elderly to a doctor, and, of course, bottles and bottles of milk were delivered to schools and homes.

During the Great Depression, the League delivered over 50,000 half pints of milk to needy children, donated the first resuscitator to the Bellevue Fire Department, began holding well-baby clinics for those who could not afford medical care, and even delivered goats to families for milk.

The League opened its first Thrift Shop on Main Street in 1939 providing good low-cost clothing for struggling families. War Bonds, purchased by the League, provided OSL the funds for educational grants. As both the League and the community grew, programs were added to meet changing needs.

Today, the League continues to build on established programs and reach out to the community in new ways that offer stability and self-sufficiency.

The Overlake Service League operates a Thrift Shop located in Bellevue Square. Thanks to generous donations from businesses and community, the Thrift Shop helps to provide some of the financial resources that support the League's direct services and giving programs; working together building a better community, self-sufficient lives and secure futures.

The League is supported by nearly 400 volunteer members who contribute about 40,000 hours per year in community service. This, in part, enables OSL to direct 94% of its funds to services for people in need, leaving a low 6% for administrative costs.

The Overlake Service League was founded in 1911 because of need "and it exists today because we care."