CAWSC History

"During the early 1950's, segregation in the south was rampant.  In order for children to stay in school, they were in need of clothing.  Volunteers of America did not want the Blacks to come in the front door to receive clothing and this created a problem.  Mrs. Mildred Clark wrote a letter inviting concerned citizens to meet to help resolve the clothing dilemma of school children.  Nine individuals answered the call and met in the principal's office at Zion City Elementary School on January 7, 1959.  Those present were Clarence Marie Collier, Mildred M. Clark, Hazel J. Freeman, Nance Givens, Annie Knox, and Aunnie L. Webb (educators from the school system) and Dora Brooks, Georgia Williams, and Thelma Wilson (members of the PTA Council).  The group took the name of The Advisory Committee for the Welfare of School Children.  Mrs. Mildred Clark served as Chairman and Mrs. Hazel Freeman served as Recording Secretary.

Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Freeman have served in various capacities: from Executive Director for the first six years, to lending CAWSC their personal funds to obtain or improve facilities, and serving as president etc. of the Board of Directors."

Source:  http://www.cawsc.org/sapphireballprogram.pdf