Assistance League® of Conejo Valley

I love volunteering here and helping my community!

I donate all of my clothing and household items to this all volunteer community based organization. The community benefits greatly from their wonderful programs for kids and seniors.

I've been a member of this wonderful nonprofit since 2012. Our mission is to transform lives and strengthen our community through our philanthropic programs serving the children and adults in our community of Conejo Valley and surrounding area. Our signature program Operation School Bell serves students in a variety of programs such as providing books, school supplies, school clothing, and vision care for students in need. Our Thrift Shop is our major source of funding along with grantors and individual contributors from our community.

The volunteers of this organization work so hard to help so many children and families in our 7 communities in Conejo Valley. The philanthropic programs are varied and extremely helpful. The thrift shop has incredible prices and merchandise that is displayed professionally but managed and run by only volunteers. I feel my time volunteering and my donations are used the very best to benefit as many people as possible.

I'm a new member of the ALCV of the Conejo Valley. One of the first committee's I've been involved in was the Operation School Bell Program. I was a liaison between the Philanthropic Committee and the elementary school I was working with. It was a learning experience and very gratifying to know how much our team can do to help those children in need of clothing and supplies. I was taking a second bag of needed emergency supplies last week into the office and I ran into the principal. I had only talked to her on the phone previously so she had no idea who I was carrying this large bag into the school. I'm sure she was concerned. I introduced myself and explained what I was doing there. She couldn't thank me enough or extend her appreciation to the ALCV chapter for all we do for their school and for fulfilling the needs of he children who need assistance. And, of course, there's the Thrift Store! I can't believe the raves I get from people when I tell them, as a philanthropic store for the Assistance League, that I actually work there. They, at one point or another, have been there and declare "it's absolutely the best in town". They never knew that the store was totally philanthropic and the causes we participate in. Thank you, ALCV.
Ann Augustine

The volunteers who staff their Thrift Shop are fantastic. The shop is great, I always find something I want!

I have been a member of Assistance League Conejo Valley for six years. For the past two years I have been Chairman of our Clothing Nights of OSB. Normally, our organization holds multiple shopping nights at Target and Burlington for students at different local schools to shop with vouchers of $70 from our organization.

However, since the pandemic and schools and stores having restrictions, we could not hold these nights. Instead, our Philanthropic Committee, worked to give $100 vouchers to 23 schools this fall (also last year). Once the parent and student received the voucher from the school, they can go to JC Penney’s and shop at their convenience.

With another volunteer, it was our job and privilege to visit all 23 schools and activate almost 2,000 $100 vouchers. We saw first hand the need that many people have right now and the appreciation both schools and children had for what ALCV has been able to do in our community. After we started to visit schools, parents at other schools began to call their schools wondering if we would be coming there as well. Everywhere we went we were greeted with enthusiasm. It was such an honor to be able to help and see first hand the difference our organization makes. We donate over $150,000 with this program. ALCV is able to give this money because of our wonderful AL Thrift Shop on Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Our thrift shop is completely volunteer run and all moneys we make go back to our community through our various philanthropic programs. It has been such a special gift to be able to help others.

This group of women is amazing. Never stopping during COVID-19, their Thrift Shop was only closed a short time before it reopened following all CDC guidelines. Even at this time all workers and customers are required to wear masks. Not one case of COVID can be linked to this shop. Pretty Wonderful! The Philanthropic Programs never stopped, just refigured. ALCV were able to clothe over 2000 children, helped the homeless, knit hats for cancer and needy children. The list goes on. Meetings continued via ZOOM and business was conducted. Assistance League of Conejo Valley didn't give up. That's what great organizations do! I am so proud to be a member!

I joined Assistance League of Conejo Valley last year during the pandemic as a volunteer. SInce that time I have been impressed with the energy, diligence, friendliness and honesty of all the women who volunteer at our Thrift Shop and on our philanthropy committees to help raise money at then benefit those less fortunate in the Conejo Valley. Just a few of the wonderful work we do include helping elementary and high school children purchase new school clothes, we purchase and distribute new warm jackets and sleeping bags for the homeless, we have ladies who knit hats for the sick and needy, we deliver new books to school age children and help young people entering the workforce to get a new set of work uniforms or clothes. We also offer no cost eye exams and glasses to both kids and adults. We can do all of this due to our wonderful Thrift Shop customers and Grants we received. I am proud to be a member of this Great Nonprofit.

Despite the pandemic this organization found ways to continue keep our Thrift Shop open & staffed with reduced volunteers. Than they found ways to disperse funds for clothing to needy children, laptops to school children, food to our local food bank, Manna, & vision testing & glasses to needy children, seniors & homeless. Truly an amazing job!

I hate to sound cliche, but I never write reviews. Due to the compassionate nature of the volunteers at the shop I couldn't help but seek out the opportunity to commend them for all their help and hard work. Not only did the staff help me gather some great finds, they were so kind to direct me to resources and programs I could utilize to for my children. This shop, along with the awesome volunteers.... truly a gem that benefits our local community.

Even through these challenging COVID-19 times, this organization and it's membership have remained relentless in the mission to serve the community. When the Thrift Shop and schools had to close in March, donations were given for Chrome books to needy at-home learners and to a local food pantry to help the hungry. Now the Thrift Shop is open again and its revenue can continue to benefit the many philanthropic programs of the organization.

Recently found the Assistance League Thrift Shop, tucked in a corner of a shopping center.
The place is clean, organized and run totally by volunteers. The store was divided in sections and all items were in pristine condition, plus prices were bargains. I see why the local newspaper each year has them as the Thrift Shop to go to in the Conejo Valley. I was told new merchandise is available each day they are open, so I will be going on a regular basis.

ALCV's contribution to the community, especially their efforts in supporting children, adults, and families in the area is admirable. Their hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for the efforts placed in order to benefit and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

ALCV is a fantastic organization, providing much needed support for those in need in the local community. When their standard methods were impacted by COVID-19, they identified alternate means by which they could contribute meaningfully for those who need it.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret... I love thrift stores. Buying secondhand is better for the environment and helps support communities instead of corporations. However, I’m picky about my shopping- the organization needs to be inclusive, staffed by volunteers, and needs to have a mission I support. The Assistance League of Conejo Valley Thrift Store checks each of my boxes, and then some.

Some highlights of the organization for me over the last year: ALCV positively impacted almost 200k people in their community, provided thousands of low-income/high-risk children with new shoes, coats, and clothing for school, and provided local low income families with eye exams and glasses through their Visions for the Future and Eye Can See programs (I’m a sucker for puns and clever names).

I poked my head into the ALCV shop on Thousand Oaks Blvd and was struck by how tidy everything was! It was very obvious that the volunteers contribute quite a bit of time and effort to ensuring the store is clean, inviting, and well-organized. This is not your grandma’s junk store- no headless angel statutes or stained Gap sweaters here! Checkout was efficient and painless, and the volunteer behind the counter was warm and friendly. I’ve been back several times since, and have never had a negative experience or come away empty-handed.

I love the ALCV thrift shop, especially knowing it's staffed entirely by volunteers and it all benefits the local community. Just in the last year ALCV has affected the lives of over 180,000 people in the community who need their help. :)

This is an extraordinary group of volunteers, working cooperatively together, even in these challenging times, to stay faithful to the mission of developing, funding and implementing philanthropic programs to meet the needs of our community.

Assistance League® of Conejo Valley gives back to the community in so many ways. Through their Operation School Bell® program, they provide needy K-12 students in the Conejo Valley the opportunity to purchase new clothes and shoes at an area Target and Burlington stores. Their vision program provide eye exams and eyeglasses to qualified K-12 students and adults in the Conejo Valley. These programs and 11 others are funded by the profits generated in their amazing Thrift Shop staffed by volunteers. Please check out alconejovalley.org to check them out.

I was fortunate enough to become a member of this great organization earlier this year, and I am incredibly happy that I did. I cannot overstate how impressed I am with all aspects of the Assistance League of Conejo Valley. The leadership is well-organized, the programs are effective and wide-ranging, the members are welcoming and talented, and the social opportunities are fun. The Thrift Shop is so well run, with so many innovative ideas for raising additional funds, that the monthly profits are astonishing, and all the revenue (with the exception of rent and utilities for the shop) go back into the 10 philanthropies that support children and adults in the Thousand Oaks and surrounding communities. I couldn't be more pleased to have joined this group of caring women.

I had the good fortune to join Assistance League of Conejo Valley earlier this year. I have belonged to other non-profit community volunteer groups in the Westlake area over the years, but could not be happier to have found Assistance League. This is an energetic group of happy women who share a passion for giving back to their community. The Thrift Shop seems to be the happiest place in town. In addition to members working there to fulfil their mandatory shifts, the back of the store is generally teaming with many more who come in to do extra hours so that their departments will sparkle. The care and attention to detail are unusual, and reflect the love and respect the members have for both their shoppers and the community overall. It is no wonder the store has become such an cash flow engine. Approximately $500,000 was raised by the Chapter last year, all of which was reinvested in our community to improve the lives of children and adults. I feel very privileged to be part of this wonderful group of women.

I am so fortunate to have recently joined the Assistance League of Conejo Valley volunteer organization. Not only has it met my goals of giving back to my community in many different ways, but I have had the opportunity to connect with like minded, hard working volunteers who make work seem like fun! There is a little something for everyone to get involved .

Assistance League® of Conejo Valley consists of a vital group of dedicated women who work hard to uphold our Mission Statement to identify, develop, implement and fund programs to improve the lives of children and adults in our community. Our largest philanthropy is our Operation School Bell® clothing nights; we clothed 2500 students attending the Conejo Valley School District last year. Our vision program is expanding as word spreads throughout the Conejo Valley Unified School Districts through school nurses and personnel. We provided 126 children a complete eye exam and glasses since the start of that program. We have other programs that serve our community as well. Please check out our website at: ALConejovalley.org. ALCV envisions its future as a leading volunteer organization locally recognized for providing support and opportunities to residents in the Conejo Valley.

The ALCV is an incredable group of hard working women raising money to giveback to the community and help so many children in need. In doing so, they enrich the lives of so many.
It is all done with voulteers !! The ALCV Thrift Store is amazing & raises so much to help those in need. Fabulous orgaization

The woman in this organization are compassionate and donate hours of their time and talents for the community. Our biggest fund raiser is the thrift shop, known for it's high quality items. The profits from the store help provide funding for clothing nights at local retail stores for needy children; eye exam and glasses for both low income youth and adults; creating care bear for hospitals and abuse victims; members read to children in elementary schools and gives a new book to each student; members teach an "I'm in Charge" safety program for 3rd graders in the Conejo Valley. Members also distribute emergency clothing kits for 32 elementary schools. We support an AssistTeens program for high school student to promote leadership skills and volunteering. Our talented singers perform for seniors and the crafty ladies knit hats. It is an amazing organization that deserves recognition and grant funding.

Great shop like a boutique. Items are in excellent condition.

A few months ago I took a donation to the Assistance League of Conejo Valley Thrift Shop. The volunteers who were working that day were very kind and helpful, as I had a fractured ankle and was wearing a boot. They came to my car to help me and took everything into the shop.
I was so impressed that I asked to learn more about the charity, as I was new to the area at the time. Two of the members took a lot of time to welcome me to Conejo Valley and give me literature about the organization and becoming a volunteer. I am now a brand new member and am very excited about supporting their many valuable activities that do so much good for the needy children and adults of Conejo Valley.

This organization raises money to provide school clothes for needy children, eye glasses and exams for those who cannot afford to see an eye Doctor. In addition, they run programs in the various elementary schools in Simi, Moorpark, Conejo Valley and Las Virgenes districts.
I cannot say enough about the "good" this group does.

ALCV is a wonderful organization... they are an incredibly organized group of ladies with capabilities in every facet of running a profitable business. With 100% of the profits going toward making a better life for the children and seniors in our community, I’m proud to be a part of such a hard working and dedicated group of individuals. A great team! Sincerely, Norma Phillips

I have been a volunteer at ALCV for several years. I see first hand what good we do for our community. It’s fun to volunteer there and meet the people we help with our great merchandise and great values! Everyone always seems so happy to be there..workers S well as shoppers! I feel we really help our community with this thrift shop!
Diane Hawkinson

Fantastic organization that puts at-risk children in a better place.

I am a regular shopper at the Thrift Shop and they always have the best clothes and things for my house at amazing prices. Their designer clothing section is always stocked with clothes I want to wear, and I love their jewelry too. I bought a crockpot that had never been used for a great price. The people who work there are always so nice and the shop is beautiful.

Assistance League of Conejo Valley Thrift Shop is the cleanest and most organized looking Thrift Shop in the Conejo Valley and surrounding area. The workers are helpful and polite. All the merchandise is displayed beautifully.

I have volunteered for ALCV for several years now and am impressed by the outreach they have in the Conejo Valley. They raised $375,000 in fiscal year 2016-2017 to return to
the community to support their philanthropy programs. With Operation School Bell, 2,730 elementary school children had the opportunity to shop for new school clothes and shoes. The vision program provided 56 students with an eye exam and new glasses. Other programs~ Share A Bear, Assault Survivor Kits, Emergency Clothing Kits, Literacy, Spotlight on Seniors, I'm In Charge, and Reading For Life, impacted the lives of many residents of the Conejo Valley. ALCV strives to enhance the educational success of children and young adults in the Conejo Valley.

Assistance League Conejo Valley is a membership of the hardest working women I know. The Thrift Shop is the main source of income for this group along with grants and individual donations. That money is put to good use by giving sight to children and adults with free vision testing. Clothing children for school is another wonderful project taking place. There is endless giving with this group of volunteers. A great group of ladies giving back to their community many times over.

The Assistance League of Conejo Valley® (ALCV) has many philanthropic programs that directly benefit local children and adults. Programs supported include Operation School Bell® program which supplies clothing and to school kids. The ‘Vision for the Future’ and 'Eye Can See' programs provide eye exams and glasses to eligible children and adults. There are programs that provide emergency and basic supplies to those in an assault or crisis situation. There are programs where volunteers visit schools to assist with literacy or to teach kids about safety through the 'I’m In Charge' program. There is a fun entertainment group through the Spotlight on Seniors program which provides entertainment to area seniors. The Assisteens® program empowers young adults to develop leadership and other skills through volunteering. The Assistance League programs are diverse which allow for a variety of ways to benefit our local community through one organization. The ALCV also has a great Thrift Store in Thousand Oaks. The hardworking ladies of ALCV are also fun to work with and I like that our work directly benefits our community.

I feel honored to be a member of this great organization. We bring a lot of smiles to children in need, weather it is for clothes, or new eye glasses, literacy, and many other ways.

It is greatly fulfilling to know that all our hard work is giving back in our own community of Conejo Valley.

As the Membership VP, I can vouch that the 100 plus members of this Assistance League chapter are enthusiastic, capable and dedicated whether staffing its amazing Thrift Shop or working with one of its nine philanthropies. The difference Assistance League Conejo Valley is making in the community is astounding and certainly appreciated by thousands whose lives have been enriched as a result of its contributions.

ALCV is a well-run organization offering philanthropic programs that serve children, adults, and families in our community. Add to that a group of caring, loving, driven, and energetic women all working toward the same goal.

I joined Assistance League® of Conejo Valley after hearing about all the great programs they support in our community including Operation School Bell which allows children in our local schools to purchase new clothing. The children are always excited and really enjoy the shopping events. We also have a new program, Vision for the Future, which provides eye exams and glasses for children. It is through the efforts of our volunteers who manage our thrift shop that these and other programs are possible. This is a wonderful organization filled with such passionate people and I am glad to be a part of it.

In my five years as a member and three years as a Board member, I am honored to be part of a caring group working to improve the lives of others in our community. Just this year we added a new philanthropic program called "Vision for the Future" which provides an eye exam and prescription glasses for those needing vision care. The gift of sight empowers these students. We have helped students from elementary to high school.

I watched this organization for 2 years before becoming a volunteer. The Thrift Shop is beautiful; run efficiently with all volunteers. The monies go back into the community. The joy and privilege of participating in an Assistance League clothing night is unforgettable. Whether volunteering in a school literacy program or entertaining seniors this is an energetic and amazing group of women who give thousands of hours a year to the local Conejo Valley.

Assistance League Conejo Valley makes an enormous impact in the Conejo Valley area. Thousands of children are helped through programs like Operation School Bell, where low-income school children get a shopping night to buy new school clothes, and Vision for the Future, which provides eye exams and glasses for kids who can't afford them. These programs and more are financed through the Assistance League Thrift Shop, a busy operation run and staffed by member volunteers. I am proud to be a member of the Assistance League Conejo Valley.

A dear friend and long time member of our Assistance League chapter, invited me to join a few years ago. I'd been looking for a group to join, one where I could make a contribution to the local community as well as work alongside other good people. This was the perfect option for me. I am proud to be a member of the organization and I'm happy to do what I can to better the lives of everyone who lives here. The Assistance League Thrift Shop is by far the best and nicest one in town and everyone who shops there says the same thing. It is organized and well kept and it's a pleasure to work as volunteer and to shop there. I'm a fan, and I tell everyone about the shop and about The Assistance League Chapter of the Conejo Valley!

I was working in the ALCV thrift shop as a member when a woman came in looking for a "poodle" skirt. I asked our other ladies working first of all what is a poodle skirt??? Then we searched and did not find one. I told her of another shop down the street to check. Don't you know within a half hour our members are opening donations and there is a poodle skirt in one of the bags. We called the other thrift shop and said if the lady was still there that we indeed had a skirt. She came back and bought the skirt for $10 !!!

I have experienced great satisfaction and joy in working with Assistance League® of Conejo Valley's philanthropic programs that clothe and educate elementary school children. We host 17 Clothing Nights a year for students to select new school outfits that make them feel special. Recently I received a letter from a single mother profusely thanking us for helping her two boys obtain new school clothes since money was tight. Through the success of our well run Thrift Store, we are able to keep expanding the reach of our philanthropies to bring smiles to the faces of more and more children.

The members of Assistance League of Conejo Valley are selfless in giving of themselves to the community. Each day someone is touched by their generous spirit. They work hard and are dedicated, to making sure their programs improve the lives of adults and children. Always with a smile, they make a positive difference in lives of those in need.

This organization is over the top with all the good work they do. ALCV runs a Thrift Shop to earn money to clothe hundreds of needy children in our community Every member works in the Thrift Shop and then goes on to work on our Philanthropic programs. It is a great group of dedicated women who have fun while doing their charity work.

Fantastic organization that makes a significant impact on the community.

I have been a member of this generous and heartwarming organization for over 12 years. Our philanthropic programs serve thousands of children, adults and families in our community, and are designed to provide relief and comfort to our neighbors in need. We live in an area of tremendous prosperity, but also profound poverty. Sadly, there are thousands of school children living right here in our neighborhoods who have never had a new pair of shoes or new dress. Our signature Clothing Program helps alleviate that need. Every September we take 2500 unprivileged kids shopping for new school clothes. They are so excited to shop and wear their new purchases! Does wonders for raising their self esteem, allowing them to start the year on an evening footing with their peers.
We have 11 other programs, including our Homemade Jammers ukulele group who bring musical entertainment to assisted living facilities. We take great pride that our 150 volunteers, including our 50 Assisteens, provide compassionate and caring services to each person we serve. Most of our funding comes from our very successful Assisitance League Thrift Shop, located in Thousand Oaks… often dubbed the “Nordstrom of Thrift Shops”. Come by and go shopping at our store, knowing that the proceeds are helping kids and their families live a more comfortable life.

Being able to write checks to help nonprofit organizations is great, but being able to see those beautiful faces when they get their wrist bands at target night to select their brand new school clothing for the first time is priceless. I am honored to be part of Assistance League of Conejo valley and being able to make a difference in people's life.