2020 is the Centennial Anniversary of the Italian Welfare League! This month marks the actual anniversary we were founded. During our 100-year history, the League has gone from helping Italian immigrants on the New York City piers find jobs and housing to its present mission of helping special needs children of Italian descent whom we call “I Nostri Bambini.” Initiated after the tragic circumstances of 9/11, this “I Nostri Bambini” program has raised and distributed more than $2,000,000 to nearly 2,000 recipients.

In times of crisis, the League has always responded to the needs of the Italian community, as it has helped the orphans of World War II, supported relief efforts for Superstorm Sandy and provided funds for those impacted by earthquakes that ravaged Italy. 

Most recently, with a generous matching grant from the Francesco & Mary Giambelli Foundation, it has responded to the Coronavirus outbreak by providing big-box and grocery store gift cards to families that have lost jobs or cannot make ends meet. The League Board members also donated funds to “Meals for Healers,” a special initiative which provided food deliveries to healthcare workers at New York City hospitals during this pandemic.