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JOLIET, Ill. – State Representative Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, attended the Visitation  Aid Society of Joliet Christmas Luncheon Saturday, of which Rep. Manley is a  member.

The Visitation and Aid Society was formed in 1889 to work closely with welfare and charitable organziations in the Joliet area, and to provide aid to families needing financial assistance in a quiet and confidential way.

Saturday held the groups annual Christmas luncheon fundraiser, at Cut 158 Chophouse, in Joliet.

“Women like these have been working behind the scenes to help families in a private way,” Rep. Manley said. “For over 100 years, the Visitation and Aid Society has played an important role in our entire community, and I’m honored to be a member and participant.”

“The object of the Visitation and Aid Society of Joliet shall be the betterment of mankind and the alleviation of suffering amount the poor, irrespective of class, creed, or color and whenever aid is given, it is done very quietly and without wounding the pride of self-respect of the recipients,” according to the group’s website, www.visititationaidsocietyjoliet.org.

In addition to the event, the society partnered with the Zonata Club of Joliet to collect gently used costume jewelry from attendees to provide area school children the chance to select a piece of jewelry to share as a gift for their mother, or other loved one on Mother’s Day.

“This collection of jewelry was a tremendous honor to Terri Taylor, who recently passed away, because she had spearheaded past jewelry collections,” Rep. Manley said. “There is no better way to honor someone than by giving to others.”

Featured: State Representative Natalie Manley attended the Visitation Aid Society of Joliet Christmas Luncheon Saturday with guests.

Featured: State Representative Natalie Manley with longtime Visitation & Aid Member Sharon Dames.