In March 1985 a small group of energetic, determined ladies, who wanted to make a difference in their community, met and decided to “organize.” They joined forces with Assistance League of Houston to become their first auxiliary—that was the beginning of the Lake Conroe Auxiliary of Assistance League of Houston, later to become Assistance League of Montgomery County. Forty-one ladies became charter members.
A 900-square-foot Thrift Shop on Houston Street in downtown Conroe was opened, with that initial year spent organizing the first philanthropic program, Prime Time Treasures, which allowed senior citizens to sell their crafts and earn a little extra income to enhance their quality of life. The “41” cleaned out their closets and kitchen cabinets and filled the Thrift Shop with goods to sell.
During those early stages, if the Thrift Shop earned $25 – $50, it was a HUGE day. Cigar boxes were used for supplies, and adding machines were cash registers. The biggest issue then became where to get more donations. As one member put it, they solved that problem eventually by becoming friendly with all their neighbors and convincing them to clean their closets and cabinets and donate to the chapter.