The fatal decline of Brockton’s footwear and textile industries brought many human casualties; basic needs — food, clothing, shelter — were not being met. In 1971, 17 women formed The Charity Guild to provide free emergency food to the neediest, donated by their own families or bought by selling used clothing. Now in their 35th year, with over 300 members — 175 for more than 10 years and three of the founders still with them — the Guild has three programs: a food pantry to provide a three-day emergency supply of food to needy clients; a thrift shop selling quality used and new clothing and household goods, giving them for free to referred clients; and a holiday sharing program to provide “grocery gift cards” in December (nearly $18,000 worth to 230 families in 2004) so recipients can purchase and create their holiday meals according to their own traditions. By now the Guild collaborates with many other charitable organizations, and the numbers of clients served annually is over 20,000 — more than twice what it was only 10 years ago. This is pretty basic stuff in philanthropy, done simply and superbly well. If you’re interested in getting back to basics, here is a great way to do it.