NGA, Inc. was formerly known as the Needlework Guild of America.  The organization began in England in 1882 following a mine disaster in nearby Wales. Lady Diana Wolverton, founder of a orphan home in Dorsetshire, England, got a group of people together to make clothing (one to wear, one to wash) for the children whose parents had died in the disaster. She glimpsed the fact that old garments might pauperize, but new garments equalize.

In 1885 Mrs. Harpence, from Philadelphia, was impressed with the work that was being done.  She shared the concept with her niece, Laura Safford, who in turn told 6 of her friends.  They agreed to help her sew for the needy.  The first year, they collected 921 articles which were donated to hospitals, orphanages.  The Needlework Guild of America was founded in Philadelphia in 1885 and later incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1896.  Our official name was changed to NGA, Inc. in 1989 to reflect the scope of our services.

Since that time, NGA has helped many needy neighbors.  We have also helped the needy during the Spanish-American War, the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, World War I and II, Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Floyd, and Hurricane Katrina.

Today our organization is affiliated with many non-profit charities.

DID YOU KNOW???

· NGA was founded in 1885 and incorporated in 1896 in Philadelphia, PA.

· In April, 1985 NGA held their 100th Annual National Convention at the Hershey Hotel in Philadelphia.

· The first National office was located on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.

· Over 110,515,719 items have been distributed since our inception in 1885.

· In 1932 Mrs. Cleveland, widow of Grover Cleveland becomes President of NGA.

· NGA has over 650 volunteers helping with our mission across the United States