Our History and Purpose
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that was incorporated in July, 1973. The original purpose of the organization was to provide financial assistance to the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Day Care Committee. The long-term objective was to earn funds through the operation of a thrift shop.
The League initially earned $4,000 through garage sales, flea markets, donations, and the sale of stationery depicting the Fanwood Community House. The League finally achieved its goal when it opened the doors of its first thrift shop on October 5, 1974.
Over the years, the Thrift Shop has enjoyed continued success at a number of locations in downtown Scotch Plains. In the spring of 2012, the shop was moved to its current location at
1741 East Second Street. The shop can always be identified by its beautifully decorated windows that have become familiar to all who pass by! The shop enjoys plentiful free off-street and on-street parking, access to bus lines, and a location convenient to surrounding towns and major roadways.
Since its humble beginning, with the unfailing support of donors, shoppers, and benefactors, the Service League has raised and donated over $1.4 million to various organizations in Fanwood, Scotch Plains, and nearby communities plus college scholarships to local residents who demonstrate a commitment to volunteer service.
Organizations Receiving Grants in 2022
Caring Contact: A Listening Community (crisis hotline)
Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care
Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation\
Emmanuel Cancer Foundation
Fanwood Memorial Library
Fanwood Rescue Squad
Fanwood-Scotch Plains Girl Scouts
Fanwood Scotch Plains YMCA
Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department
Flintlocks BSA, Inc. (senior BSA volunteers)
Historical Society of Scotch Plains & Fanwood
Homefirst Interfaith Housing and Family Services
Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss
Literacy New Jersey - Union County program
Mobile Meals of Westfield
Resolve Community Counseling Center, Inc.
Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County
Scotch Plains Volunteer Firefighters Association
Scotch Plains Rescue Squad
YWCA - Union County (services for domestic violence victims)