In the heart of our community, Anabelle Stanley and her family exemplify the spirit of giving back. For the past three years, Anabelle and her mother, Leslie, have been actively involved in the National Charity League (NCL), an organization dedicated to fostering mother-daughter connections through community service and leadership development.

The Stanleys joined NCL when Anabelle was in 7th grade, and their commitment to serving others has only grown. Together, they’ve participated in projects with numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, Caroling at Spring Arbor Retirement Center, Operation Gratitude, Chesterfield Food Bank, and the Autism Society’s Central Virginia Duck Race. The pair also supports initiatives like HandsOn Greater Richmond, Communities in Schools, and Cinderella Dreams, contributing to a wide range of causes.

Anabelle and Leslie dedicate about four hours each month to volunteering, in addition to attending regular NCL meetings. Both mother and daughter hold leadership roles in the organization, with daughters (“Ticktockers”) and mothers (“Patronesses”) serving on separate boards. Anabelle has taken on various positions, including VP of Leadership, a member of the Nominating Committee, and her current role as Parliamentarian. Leslie has served as VP of Membership and Parliamentarian.

What drew them to NCL was the unique opportunity to bond while making a difference. "It’s a great way for mothers and daughters to spend quality time together while giving back to the community," Leslie shares. The organization’s six-year curriculum focuses on different categories of need each year, and this year, Anabelle’s class is emphasizing disaster relief. They’ve even educated their chapter on MapSwipe, a Red Cross app that uses satellite imaging to facilitate relief efforts.

Through their work with NCL, Anabelle and Leslie have gained more than just the satisfaction of helping others. They’ve developed valuable skills in leadership, professional etiquette, and board governance. "We’ve learned how boards function, mastered Robert’s Rules, and grown in confidence," Leslie says.

Beyond service, NCL offers social events that strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters. Highlights include the annual Daughter Tea at Salisbury Country Club and Senior Recognition. This year, Anabelle’s class, the Class of 2028, is hosting the tea in February, with an anticipated attendance of 120 guests.

The Stanleys moved to the neighborhood in 2020 during the pandemic, drawn by its proximity to family and their favorite getaway, Lake Gaston. Since then, they’ve become an integral part of the community, participating in activities like the neighborhood swim team. Anabelle has served as a Coach in Training for two years and hopes to become a lifeguard this summer. Last year, her leadership and dedication earned her the Hallsley Award, a recognition of her hard work and commitment.

As a family, the Stanleys are deeply invested in giving back. They work together through Chores for Change, a neighborhood initiative supporting coat and food drives for Chesterfield Food Bank. They also volunteer through their church, The Chapel in Midlothian, participating in projects like packing kits for new moms and cleaning up Clover Hill High School during a day of service.

The Stanleys encourage others to join the National Charity League, which welcomes daughters starting in 7th grade and their mothers. For more information, visit the National Charity League’s website.  www.nationalcharityleague.org 

Through their dedication to service, Anabelle and her family are making a lasting impact on our community, inspiring others to do the same.