Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Chris Howe of the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound.
Your Name: Chris A. Howe
Name of your organization: Junior League of Westchester on the Sound (JLWOS)
Your role: President
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission
Howe: JLWOS is an educational and charitable organization of women with a mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. JLWOS members volunteer in the community and partner with community organizations to make a meaningful impact.
How long have you operated in or around Rye?
Howe: JLWOS just celebrated its 75th anniversary in Westchester and serves the Sound Shore communities including Rye and Rye Brook, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck and Port Chester.
What programming or work is the organization best known for?
Howe: At the heart of our work is the Golden Shoestring thrift shop in Larchmont. The shop is an important community hub—offering affordable, high-quality shopping while fueling our mission. We won Best of Westchester Thrift Shop in 2024 and again this year-2025.
JLWOS has helped launch enduring community programs, including Furniture Sharehouse, the Teen Boutique of Sharing Shelf and The Westchester Children’s Museum – organizations that continue to serve the community today.
We also give out scholarships and community grants to support students and organizations in the Sound Shore community. JLWOS gave out $75K to 13 organizations last year and in October was proud to provide its largest single grant of $100K to Meals on Main. JLWOS’ Transformational Grant will fund the launch of Meals on Main Street’s innovative Mobile Community Café, a first-of-its-kind sit-down dining experience featuring a menu with no prices.
Looking forward to 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Howe: We are looking forward to partnering with community organizations including Westchester Children’s Museum, The Sharing Shelf and Meals on Main as well as our many other Sound Shore partners. We have been trialing new events at the Golden Shoestring (such as Thrift Thursday where we stay open late the first Thursday of the month and feature a community partner). We will also be opening our 2026 grant process in late February or early March and encourage community organizations that meet the criteria to apply.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Howe: Yes.
How can local residents support your organization?
Howe: The Golden Shoestring is always looking for donations of new or gently used adult clothing and many people end up shopping when they drop off donations. We are always looking for additional volunteers – particularly those with retail experience – for the Golden Shoestring store.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Howe: Rye women are members of JLWOS, including past presidents and board leaders, and Rye nonprofits have been among the recipients of our Community Grants over the years – including the Rye Free Reading Room (RFRR), Helping Hands, Rye YMCA, etc. Funding for our annual Grants and Scholarships comes almost entirely from our thrift store, The Golden Shoestring located in Larchmont is open Wednesday – Saturday, 11am to 4pm. New and like new clothing donations, shoes, bags and housewares gratefully accepted during open business hours. Note that donations should be in as-new condition without stains, rips, missing buttons, broken zips etc.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Howe: I have been involved in the JLWOS for over 20 years in a variety of roles – right now I am the current president.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Howe: The role is volunteer. Professionally, I also work as an advisor, management consultant and certified executive coach.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Howe: Natural problem solver.
Where did you grow up?
Howe: Virginia but came to NYC right after college so have been a New Yorker for a while.
What principles guide you when you have to make a difficult decision?
Howe: What is the best option to move forward aligned with my values? You can’t always know the right answer in advance but you can try to make the best decision in the moment (and pivot quickly if it turns out not to be the right choice).
What excites you most about the future—for yourself or for the world?
Howe: I think young people have a much more open view of the world and what matters. I continue to believe we can all make a difference and the positive energy you give out will ultimately come back to you.
Where do you live and how many years have you lived there?
Howe: I live in Larchmont but spend a good amount of time in Rye and was there almost every day when my girls went to Rye County Day School.
Thanks Chris!
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