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UNWLA BRANCH 52, NATALIA KOBRYNSKA, Patroness, PHILADELPHIA, PA REGION In December, 1997 Branch 52 UNWLA Inc., Natalia Kobrynska, celebrated its 60lh Anniversary. The Branch was organized October 21,1937 at the home of Mrs. Anna Sywulak who was an ardent and active member of the UNWLA. The purpose of the Branch was to belong to its own ethnic national organization, the UNWLA, and at the same time serve as a Public Relations body spreading knowledge about Ukrainians, their culture and heritage to other women’s clubs and the general public. This was very important, for in the thirties and forties Ukrainians were often labeled as Russians, and this misinformation had to be corrected by stressing the fact that we had our own Ukrainian language, culture and heritage. We did this by sending articles to American newspapers and by being included in various women’s programs and forums in the City of Philadelphia. Since the headquarters of the UNWLA were in Philadelphia and the late Olena Lototsky was the President at that time, she called on us or even made arrangements for our members to participate in these programs or forums either at the International Institute, individual women’s clubs or The Philadelphia Federation of Women’s Clubs & Allied Org. Inc. There were about 150 women’s clubs that were members of the Federation and so through this media word was spread about Ukrainians, their culture and heritage. In those days, American newspapers gave us good publicity since the branch received many citations and awards for its participation in soliciting funds for the American Red Cross, Cancer Drives, selling U.S. War Bonds, and having arts and crafts exhibits in banks, libraries and downtown department stores. The first fund raiser project of the branch was for the Regional Council of the UNWLA in Philadelphia which was founded in October, 1937. Then with the decision of the UNWLA to publish the magazine Our Life, funds were donated for this worthy cause, for the organization was growing rapidly and there was need of dissemination of ideas and activities of the branches throughout the U.S. When the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee was organized, the branch members supported it wholeheartedly in volunteering their time in selling U.S. War Bonds, and collecting and packing children’s clothing and food items that were sent to the displaced persons in Germany and Austria. Fund raisers were annual bazaars where hand made items, embroidery and baked goods were sold in addition to Ukrainian dolls and raffles. Bus trips, card parties and dinner-dances at the Ukrainian Hall were also held. The members even arranged a Minstrel Show with costumes and appropriate music (written by the mem bers) and performed to a capacity crowd. Since 1978, the branch has donated baskets of food prior to the Christmas Holidays to the Missionary Sisters of Mother of God and, since 1984, has prepared and served the traditional twelve course meal “Prosfora”, held at the Annunciation B.V.M. Church in Melrose Park, Pa. For the last 60 years, profits derived from these activities were donated to Ukrainians in Yugoslavia, the Church in Need in Chaco, Argentina, St. Basil’s Academy, Manor Junior College, the Ukrainian Museum in New York City, to the children of Chornobyl, to children that came from Ukraine to the U.S. for medical treatment and to an annual scholarship for a student in Brazil. At one time the branch had over 50 active members and much was accomplished but with time and many changes, the branch has dwindled in membership. Yet, for the past 60 years the branch has held monthly meetings from September to June (weather permitting) including an annual dinner. Meetings are held at the Annunciation B.V.M. Parish Hall in Melrose Park, PA. In addition to the regular matters, current events and happenings in Ukraine are discussed. Members are a closely knit group sympathetic to each other’s needs and even though some members do not speak the Ukrainian language fluently, all are aware and proud of their heritage and traditions and continue to share them with others. A fond remembrance of the past is the Annual Mother’s Day dinner Celebration at which mothers of the members were guests of the branch. Being organized, having meetings, cooperating with each other, sharing thoughts and ideas is a fete in itself. We pray that we may continue our activities. Stephanie Wochok, President. CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONVENTION! 242 XXVI Конвенція СУА www.unwla.org
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