Assistance League of Las Vegas

The ALLV brings a smile to my face every day I volunteer there. The projects, especially those with children, as well as the other volunteers are invigorating.

I am a member of Assistance League because I was also a recipient of their kindness in 1985. We had a fire a few days before Christmas while we were out visiting Santa. And my counselor took me shopping at their warehouse when I went back to school in January. I will never forget picking out my clothes and then going to get a Happy Meal before heading back to school. So now that I am able to give back, I help in the thrift shop and with the Assisteens. Assistance League brings so much joy to so many kids in our community. It's such a great place to volunteer.

At the urging of a friend, I joined the Assistance League of Las Vegas nearly 16 years ago. It has made a huge impact on my life in retirement. I have made life long friendships and am proud to be a part of this organization that makes a huge impact on the local community. I’m involved in the marking and sorting function of the thrift shop. I and two other members receive donated jewelry. We sort, clean and research the donated jewelry in order to put an equitable price on each piece that will be for sale in our thrift shop. I am proud to be a member of this wonderful organization. Barb Sokolski

I have been a volunteer since 2015 and appreciate this opportunity to share my experience with ALLV. My first encounter with the organization was when I dropped off some donations for their Thrift Shop. The back room was so organized and the staff so dedicated and welcoming, it was very impressive. The Thrift Shop itself was so clean, and well-run with such a variety of merchandise at such great prices. Again, very impressive. Friends encouraged me to become a member and I have never looked back. There are so many opportunities to join in on meaningful projects and make good friends and have good times while doing good work. I enjoy working in the backroom of the Thrift Shop where opening the donations is always a surprise! I also serve on the Board of Directors and feel grateful to be able to participate in decision-making for the organization and now know first-hand why it is so well-run by such dedicated volunteers.

One of the things I love about this organization is that it is member driven. No member, from the president on down, is paid a cent; we choose to put in countless hours sans paycheck. This week I will be at our facility all seven days not because I am required to be but because I love the work I get to do and the people I get to do it with. I have found a home away from home. I feel valued. I feel heard. I know member’s opinions are given consideration. Just this week, the Membership Committee hosted a Linger Longer potluck after the regular meeting so members could give their input about some suggested changes. Not only did participants provide some valuable insights for the committee to consider as they write a motion to present to the membership, but they ate well. 
 

 

I have been a member of this nonprofit organization for 24 years. During that time, I have been in many roles, all of which support the outstanding mission "Assistance League volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs".
Having retired at an early age, I was looking for a place to volunteer that would make a difference in the community and also occupy my time :-). I found such a place in ALLV!

I was a faithful shopper at ALLV for many years before joining as a volunteer. When I did I was totally impressed with all the things that we provide the community, especially the children.The members are all so kind and I must say I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization.

I've been a member for many years and am still amazed at how much service to the community an all-volunteer, non-paid association provides. Helping people, especially children in need is the focus of the many community programs.

I joined Assistance League as a volunteer almost one year ago. The number of children helped during this short tie is stunning. Such a great organization, helping children, and helping me have a rich vounteer experience.

Assistance League of Las Vegas is an all volunteering member non-profit organization that’s mission is to transform the lives of children and adults in our local community. Their signature program is Operation School Bell that provides children with brand new clothing for their school year. Operation Bear Hug provides bears to first responders, hospitals and memory care units for children and adults in trauma or crisis. They have five other community programs that partner with other non-profits to provide books, underwear, jeans and wherever a need is found. Thank you to the volunteering members that make the mission happen and to the donors that make this all possible to serve the Clark County Community and school district!

I have happily been a volunteer member of Assistance League of Las Vegas for 7 years. The organization was introduced to me when I retired from a rich 38 year career in Las Vegas. I've meet so many accomplished people at Assistance League who have a shared goal of helping children in need in Southern Nevada. The organization is member driven and each year we're able to help more children, in meaningful ways in the community, than the prior year.

My husband I recently moved to Las Vegas and were anxious to become involved in this community. I have been working most of my life and now find I have time to contribute to helping others. I met a very nice lady at our golf club and she asked me if I might be interested in joining Assistance League as a volunteer as she has been volunteering there for 16 years and loves the people and mission for this organization. Sylvie was conducting our new membership orientation and her enthusiasm sold me on deciding this was the program I wanted to be a part of. It was an eye opening experience to attend the tour and the member orientation and learn about all of the projects that this group are dedicated to. I signed up right away and have been amazed at enthusiasm and sincerity of all the people volunteering in this group. Many hours are spent working on marking and sorting and directing various programs for children who need a little help along the way. The thrift store is beautifully organzied and very clean with new items placed on the floor for sale all day long. Before we put any electronic items up for sale they are cleaned and tested to make sure they are in working order. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ladies that I have met and know there are many other great people that would love to volunteer for Assistance League to help the children of Las Vegas. I encourage everyone to visit our store and say hello and take a look at the varied items we have for sale.

I learned about ALLV from a friend and when I retired in 2009 I attended a membership tea and was hooked. The committee that caught my attention was Operation School. Children from Title One School were transported by school bus to the facility and were given the opportunity to pick brand new clothes for school. A lot of them had never been able to shop for new school clothes. "Hand me downs" were more often than not what they had.
The smiles and the thank you's were enough to melt your heart. I have held a couple of positions on the Board and this year I have had the pleasure of being President. Covid has made last year and this year a challenge, but it has not stopped us from from moving forward and do what we do best "Transforming lives and Strengthening the Community"

This is a great group. The kids they help are from all over las Vegas. This is a truly wonderful group. I have been a volunteer for about 2 years now, and I have had a lot of fun and met a number of great friends.

I have patronized the ALLV thrift store for 15 years. Their volunteers are friendly supportive and very helpful. The clothing they display is clean and often nearly new. The ability to buy clothing that is greatly discounted yet still professional looking helps all of us who are on a budget.

I joined the Las Vegas chapter of Assistance League in 2018 when my husband and I moved back to the city after his retirement and I love it! There are so many options for things to do and all of them are meaningful. We are a committee-driven organization which means that volunteer members run everything. I love working as a cashier in the Thrift Shop and interacting with the customers. I also enjoy filling bags with clothing for children in need through Operation School Bell. ALLV is a well-run, financially sound organization that really makes a difference in the community.

Giving children new clothes, coats, and shoes is most wonderful. The practical application of good coat and shoes is valuable, but everyone loves new clothes, and the great feeling you get when you know you look good. Assistance League always goes the extra mile, so the past 6 months, a committee organized mask making for the children. Members bought fabric, cut, and sewed to give cute and serviceable masks to our lucky recipients.

My wife has been a member for 22 years and have been a member for 2 years. We appreciate that this is an all-volunteer children's charity and helps school children by building their self esteem and preventing bullying.

Assistance League of Las Vegas is one of the best nonprofits in Las Vegas! They serve their community in a variety of ways, and run one of the best thrift shops in town. I am so pleased to hear about the work they are doing with the Operation School Bell program especially. This organization is full of wonderful people who are dedicated to serving the Vegas community!

I first learned about Assistance League of Las Vegas when my son volunteered in high school to full-fill his community service requirements. Once I retired I became a volunteer member. This is a wonderful organization that serves the needs of many in the Las Vegas community. The largest program, Operation School Bell, provides clothing and other essential items to over 8,000 children in need each year. It is so much fun to spend time with these children helping them to choose their items. The smiles on their faces says it all.

I found the perfect organization in Clark County to use my professional skills to help children in need. The members are so dedicated and bring such a variety of talents and energy to make this charity succeed year after year. The satisfaction felt in working together to reach out to so many in our community is beyond measure.

We visited the store just before COVID hit! I purchased some wine glasses, and 2 Madame Alexander dolls at great prices. Although the bargains were good, I was most impressed with the friendly staff and especially with the number of programs they have running that help out the community. When we were there, children were choosing some new (not used) clothing and books.

I originally joined Assistance League in 1986! Due to professional obligations, I took a hiatus until 2000 and then joined Assistance League's Auxiliary, Desert Sage. I felt as though I was coming home. This organization creates an environment that allows you to give to those in need in our community. As a secondary benefit, the friends you make become your family.

It is such an honor being involved with this nonprofit. I joined in May and every day I learn more and more about the work they do within the community for children. Being an all volunteer agency is so impressive - all the work that is done is because these volunteers care about children and their community. Their time and talents really make a difference!

As a member of Assistance League Las Vegas, I can attest to many stories that tug on your heart strings. From helping a homeless person in dire need, to helping a person with clothing for a new job, to honoring a donation from a deceased loved one, we do it all in the Thrift Shop! Every day we make a difference in our community. Sometimes people just need to come in out of the heat. Sometimes they need a friendly ear to really listen. Yes, our Thrift Shop is a profit-making venture that allows our organization to fund our many community programs - and we have a lot of those! But the Shop is also a part of our Vegas Community. People come to us for more than our fantastic bargains. We are 100 percent volunteer. We love our customers and they love us. And that's why I'm a volunteer at Assistance League Las Vegas!

As a member of Assistance League of Las Vegas (ALLV), I have always felt that my volunteer time is needed and appreciated by the organization and the program recipients.

Initially, I volunteered at ALLV with a community group and later joined as a member. This past year was my 10th year helping to dress and supply local children at our largest philanthropic program, Operation School Bell. Student needs can be heartbreaking, but it is also heartwarming to be able to help them. I love seeing the delight on a child's face as they select their new pair of athletic shoes and talk about their favorite class or activity. We also pack bags of clothing, shoes, and supplies for delivery to the CCSD students who can not visit our facility.

I hope to volunteer at Assistance League in Operation School Bell in August. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of Southern Nevada may be even greater than in previous years. We will be there to help- come join us!

This non-profit helps kids with new clothes, shoes and a backpack throughout the school year. We donate to college kids who need financial help and supplies. We distribute stuffed bears to area first-responders to help with emergencies involving kids. We have a wonderful thrift shop where folks can get terrific buys on clothes and household goods. The organization is comprised of many, many terrific women who really care about kids and try their best to provide for the kids necessities.

Wonderful organization serving the needs of the children of Clark county.

Assistance League of Las Vegas is an incredible community of strictly
volunteers that work together to improve the lives of at risk children. When
joining them, after having left my previous chapter in Los Angeles, I
immediately felt welcomed. It was clear that this was a group of women
committed to each other and the mission they hold in their hearts. The
facilities are amazing and provide the volunteers and community a wonderful
space in which to do the work.

Assistance League of Las Vegas provides a wonderful opportunity for
volunteers. The chance to work directly with those we serve, the children,
allows the work to be both rewarding and motivating. You leave knowing
you've made a difference and wanting to return to do more.

As a big believer in the importance of education and one I instilled in my
own children, I am ecstatic at the work Assistance League of Las Vegas is
doing to improve the educational environment and opportunities for those
facing considerable obstacles in their quest for education. I am in awe of
the scholarships to UNLV, and the partnerships with a variety of educational
programs throughout the city create a web of support services for those who
need the help the most.

Assistance League of Las Vegas excels at creating dynamic events that engage
the community and create opportunity to reach as many children as possible.
The Operation School Bell event runs throughout the school year and clothes
8,000 students. When I saw rack after rack of new clothing, I got
goosebumps. It is a testament to how well all work together to manage an
event of this magnitude.

Moreover, Assistance League of Las Vegas understands that no successful
nonprofit is an island. Our work is more meaningful and impactful when we
work together. By helping other non-profits around Las Vegas, such as those
serving the homeless population, Assistance League of Las Vegas ensures that
their work can help support other organizations as well.

Overall, Assistance League of America is an exemplary nonprofit whose work
is doing considerable good in the communities of Las Vegas that need help
finding ways out of impoverished conditions. The infrastructure, the
procedures, and the people doing the work all lend to their continued
success at enriching the lives of children in need

I have been privileged to experience Operation School Bell during my volunteer opportunities with Assistance League of Las Vegas...I encountered a group of dedicated and caring women, who have been providing children with clothing, toiletries, books and a genuine concern for each child that is dressed with comfort and pride at their selections. My daughter and I experienced first hand the joy of assisting a child shopping. We will never forget the little blonde girl with big blue eyes turn around in the mirror and look at her reflection with a tear running down her cheek declaring that she looked beautiful...she did !! The life changing moments for a child who has a new outfit, new shoes and leaves with a sparkle and a smile has placed a heart stamp on mine forever. Assistance League has been a valuable and needed resource for our community and I feel truly blessed to have the experiences with them throughout my time there.

A wonderful organization full of helpful and passionate volunteers. I am proud to have volunteered for Assistance League of Las Vegas!

Best thrift store in the county, all volunteer workers for the right reasons and all proceeds go back into the community to help those in need.

When I retired, I looked for an organization to serve. When I learned it was an all-volunteer organization—no employees—I joined Assistance League of Las Vegas. That was nine years ago. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I continue to be amazed by the commitment of the members, who work tirelessly for Assistance League and all the members of the community who are served each year.

I am frequently privileged to supervise a roomful of students waiting to shop in the Operation School Bell® Store. While they await their turns, they participate in a coloring contest. One day as I was distributing contest sheets, a boy pointed to the Assistance League® logo and blurted out, "My teddybear has that picture on his t-shirt." It just so happened that in the next room, a group of volunteers were preparing bears for delivery to various first responder groups, so I asked him if he would like to see where his bear had been born. Of course he did. He happily told the volunteers he had been given a bear at Child Protective Services and how much he LOVED it.

I joined Assistance League Las Vegas 28 years ago. It has brought much joy to my life. The children that are helped through our programs throughout the year make a difference in our community.
Many of them have grown up to be kind, caring individuals, who also volunteer their time to the needs they see. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of these adults, who were once Operation School Bell Kids. It does make a difference in children’s lives.
It is a wonderful group of people that volunteer hundreds of hours to try and give back to our community and in the process creat friendships

This Non Profit is run by volunteers so all of the proceeds go to helping people in the community, mainly children. I started volunteering with them because they had a great reputation in the community and they are fiscally very responsible.
They have a Thrift Store that is run, very well. It is clean and the items are not over priced.

Most recently I joined the Assistance League of Las Vegas and have been pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome of the group. They have a first class facility which provides many needed services to the community. Nevada is a young state and with the influx of new people entering our community, the state education and mental health service centers have been overworked. Here is where the Assistance League has shown residents of their caring spirit and loving help. I am proud to be a part of it.

This non-profit organization has no paid staff, except for maintenance workers and has many projects serving children and citizens in Las Vegas. Some of the many projects include: Operation School Bell provides new clothing for students from low income families, the Desert Sage Auxiliary supports homeless college students with lap tops and gift cards ; Angel’s Assistance projects to include handmade gown/bonnet and booklet for parents of babies who die in birthing process.
I am a proud member of the Desert Sage Auxiliary!

I have been a member of ALLV for 6 years. Everyone, from the President down, is a volunteer. We were able to clothe over 9,000 needy children this year, provide teddy bears for traumatized children and layettes to newborns. It is amazing what dedication can accomplish.

This is a great organization ran by wonderful volunteers. I love shopping at their thrift store with so many awesome finds and the best part is all the money goes towards their programs for the kids in our community.

I joined the Assistance League this February, 2018. I never realized all the wonderful work these ladies (and gentlemen) do for the community of Las Vegas. I had been looking for a couple of years where I would love to be and do the most good. I was welcomed in warmly and can't speak enough about all the programs the AL has for the community, and the children. God Bless the Assistance League and may it be around forever. I look forward to many years of service.

I moved to Las Vegas just over a year ago; upon moving I started looking for volunteer opportunities to start embedding myself in my new community. I found the Assistance League of Las Vegas last October and joined. I expected that I would have an opportunity to volunteer but what I didn't expect was to meet and bond with other volunteers so quickly. Not only does ALLV do great work through programs such as Operation School Bell, the ALLV Thrift Shop, Kids on the Block, and more, but they have brought a sense of community to me that I appreciate and value. I would recommend ALLV to any new member of the community, as well as long-term members of the community that would either like to participate as a volunteer or benefit from the services that ALLV provides.

I work for a large bank in Las Vegas and we have the opportunity to participate in this event several times throughout the year. Our team member love attending Operation School Bell because they get to see an immediate difference in the self-esteem of a child in need. Helping these kids is healing and humbling. As a volunteer, you can't help but walk away a better person after interacting with a child, helping them pick out brand new clothes in a store-like environment. As the child walks out of the dressing room in their new attire, their smile melts your heart. Many have mentioned this was the first time they had brand new socks or shoes. Wow!

I am a retired eye surgeon, and a long time member of Desert Sage, the evening part of Las Vegas Assistance League. We aid kids on many ways, one of which is Operation School Bell.
We clothe needy kids referred by school teachers, with shoes, underwear, shirts, pants, jackets, school supplies, etc. We have a big
store, and members let the kids choose. Often, these are the first
new clothes student has. We have
many projects, such as Shadow Buddies, where we provide show
and tell dolls, matched to the patient.
This allows the cancer specialists to
show the kid what is going on, and the
kid to show his classmates. It allows the ill kid to have a pal to accompany him.
We also have written about twenty
kid's books, in Spanish and English, for
five and six year olds to own, and read
with their parents. I wrote one of them, about my dachshund, Max. They are fun to read, and are on easy topics.
We have so many good projects, it
is hard to mention them all.

Volunteers, giving of their heart and time to help children in need, are what make Assistance League Las Vegas (ALLV) unique and special. For over 40 years, ALLV has been an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. I have been honored to be a member for 9 years. Volunteers work diligently to impact Clark County children through our many programs. Operation School Bell provides a school-appropriate wardrobe to over 8,000 students annually. Students with the most need are referred to us by the school district. Besides leaving with a bag of brand new clothes (jeans, shirts, jacket, socks, shoes, underwear, hygiene supplies, blanket, hat and gloves, reading book), students leave our facility with HUGE smiles and a remnewed sense of self-confidence!

I volunteered with a community group at Operation School Bell for six years before I became an active member of Assistance League of Las Vegas. The organization is amazing- it is an all volunteer group that dresses 8,000+ children per year! I am inspired by the caring and dedicated members that came before me, and who continue to make the work of Assistance League their lifelong passion.
The children that I have had the privilege to work with are so sweet and are truly appreciative of the help that we are providing to them, but also to their families. I have had numerous children tell me that their parents (or caregiver) will be so excited for them to have the new clothes and school supplies that we provide. These children want to go to school and learn, and I enjoy helping them be successful.
I am honored to be part of this organization!

On a very busy Saturday, I had a little boy about 8 years old. We went shopping in our OSB store and he was overwhelmed by all the clothes besides getting to pick out what he liked. He had never been shopping before this shopping spree. After 15 minutes of shopping, I returned him to the other children that were having pizza for lunch. He said I have had new clothes, energy bar, string cheese and now pizza, wow, is this what it is like to have a Birthday Party. Dressing little Micky made me realize why I work so many days and so hard helping these young children so deserving.

I have been a member for 5 years and love working for this organization. We are all volunteers working everyday to make a difference in the lives of the children and their families in our community. We have a Thrift Shop that helps provide funds for our many philanthropic programs which include Operation School Bell, Assistance League's Closets in elementary schools, Bears provided to various agencies for children in crisis, Layette program to name a few.

I have been a member of Assistance League of Las Vegas for 8 years now. We are 100 % volunteers with NO PAID STAFF. All donations go 100% to help children in need in the Las Vegas Valley. Last year Operation School Bell, our signature program, was able to help over 8000 children in need of school clothing. We are helping to make successful young adults out of these school children. When you don't have to worry about what you are wearing to school you can concentrate on your studies and succeed in school then succeed in LIFE !!!!! What a great feeling it is to be making a difference in the world we live in.

This is my 9th year volunteering - I have been in many organizations through the years but ALLV is exceptional - Every volunteer is there to help either through the thrift store or School Bell program but the most fun is being a KIDS ON THE BLOCK puppeteer - we go to many schools and perform shows teaching the audience that disabilities just make us different but really we are all the same - our Bullying skits are very relevant in today's world (unfortunately) - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

What an honor it is to serve the membership of Assistance League of Las Vegas! Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our membership, donors, agencies, community volunteers and the children we serve. We are making a difference bringing hope and encouragement continually. We offer the ability for others to enhance their lives in many satisfying ways. We are proud to be housed in a Reynolds Foundation building that provides an inviting environment to work and to accomplish our goals in fulfilling our mission to provide goods and services to children in need. We welcome others who would like to learn more about us or even become a member or a donor. Assistance League of Las Vegas is an amazing place where last year members gave 40,000 hours of time. That is truly amazing!

I have worked as a member with the amazing women of Assistance League since 1990 . I am so gratified at how hard members and volunteers work. What a wonderful group of people and how much we are able to accomplish to enhance the lives of children and their families. Whether one works with Operation School Bell, clothing needy children, the Thrift Store, selling donations of items from our friends in the community to help pay the bills, or any of the other branches of ALLV, our all volunteer membership excells at going the extra mile to help those who are in need of our services. I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization!
Suzanne Rivers

This is my 10th year as a volunteer in assistance league. I have enjoyed working in the Thrift Shop to raise money . The comments that I hear from the customers all the time is that the shop is always so clean and organized!!!!! The customers know what we are all about and a lot times they say (keep the change) I know that it is for a good cause!!!!
Judy Weniger

Assistance League of Las Vegas has many dedicated volunteers who truly make a difference for children. Not only do they provide clothing for school children in need, they do puppet shows about difficult topics lake bullying and abuse, provide bears to traumatized children, layettes for needy newborns and memory boxes for parents of babies that do not survive( this one still makes me cry).
you will find ladies of many different backgrounds working side by side. There are so many different things to do that almost every one can find a fun and satisfying niche. Mine is the thrift shop and helping run the building since we have no hired managers. I have been at it for 16 years and plan to make more than 20 years.

This is my 13th year as a volunteer in the Assistance League. I have enjoyed helping to raise money in the Thrift Shop for the children in the community that we serve. Delivering bears to the Rape Crisis Center I have heard heart-breaking stories where our bears have made a difference, and delivering clothes to the Assistance League Closet at Roundy School, an at-risk school, to help out children in emergency situations has been very gratifying. Our children have many needs and I am proud to help in my small way to make their burden easier.
Joan Hendricks

The care given to each child is unbelievable. This organization and the volunteers truly care about the children they serve. Thanks to ALLV for their community service.

We've had children come through that have share their toothbrush with other family members and were glad to get one for themselves.

Assistance League is a truly great organization. Although we may be small in numbers, we are mighty in service! Not only are we helping so many children, as well as families, we are also helping ourselves to be better people. There is nothing like the great feeling of putting a smile on someone's face, or even watching another volunteer smile because of what she/he has just done. To top it all off, the lasting friendships developed through volunteering with Assistance League Las Vegas is the best.

I am a retired eye surgeon, and I love working with Operation School Bell and helping to clothe yearly
8,400 needy children here in Las Vegas, Nevada. We also donate Kindergarten and first grade books
which we wrote, over 16 titles, to at need public schools. We donated over 70,000 free Pocket Books
on many different topics, in Spanish and English. We donate Memory Boxes to the neonatal and
obstetric units for the families of stillborn and the unfortunate premies who don't survive. This gives
the family a lovely baby gown, memorial pendant for the parents to keep, blanket, memory book, etc.
This fills a need for a burial gown, etc. We donate stuffed bears for police and fire units to give to
scared and traumatized children. We are involved in so many wonderful projects it is difficult to name
all of them. This is a great organization. I am a member of the Desert Sage Auxiliary, we are the unit
which meets at night. Kathy Mahon MD

I am starting year 9 with this wonderful non-profit and never cease to be amazed at the incredible programs that so benefit our community. Being an ALL-VOLUNTEER organization is the reason I was first drawn to join. All of our financial and in-kind donations are mainly geared to dress children sent to us by the school district - 8,100 in 2012-2013! In addition to our membership, we get so much help from companies, schools and the general community, which enables us to honor our commitment to our programs. Also, the friendships I've made are the icing on the cake and one of the rewards.

Being a small part of a very large organization is gratifying in so many ways: dressing school children Tuesday through Saturday one-on-one with such warmth and caring, delivering the bears to over 30 organizations who provide caring and support to children in distress, providing new clothes to 37 schools to have on hand items that may have been soiled or beyond wearing right from their AL's Closet when needed is a great project that impacts so many students as well as school staff and parents. These are just 3 ways that our members help the children of Las Vegas, as well as the community at large.

I am a retired teacher and I missed the children until I found out about Assistance League of Las Vegas. I knew of the Operation School Bell but did not connect the two until I went to a meeting and discovered just how wonderful it was. I have been volunteering for over 2 years now and will continue as long as I am able. It is a total delight to see the joy on the faces of the children when they are able to pick out new clothes, many of them have apparently been dressing is hand-me-downs exclusively. Their tales of where they live and the family circumstances would break your heart. Last school year we clothed 8,101 children and we are on our way to at least that many this year provided we do not run out of funds to pay for the clothes, school supplies, books and other items we donate. I am so delighted with all they do and what a lovely bunch of ladies they are.

I have been involved with one of thier programs Operation School Bell for 5 years. Last year we dressed 8,101 children with brand new clothing, shoes, health kits and school supplies. Our organization is 100% volunteer. I heard recently from a manager at Office Max (one of our community volunteers) that 97% of all funds raised go to the children that we service. There is no organization to my knowledge that has that trck record. we also have Assitance League Closet which 47 local schools have a budget and we buy items of clothing that they keep in a closet and clothe emergency cases. We have a reading program at a local school. Kids on the Block is a educational puppet program that adresses bully, hadicaps and etc. Layette Program that provides layettes to low-income expectant parents at the county hospital. Our bear program provides stuffed teddy bears to traumatized children These bears are given to police, firefighters and other groups that deal with these children. There are many other things that this group does as well and this group is awesome.

I have been a member since 2003. I find raising money through running a Thrift shop is a lot of fun. Our money is used to help support our Operation School Bell. The program provides new clothing to children whom our school district has sent to us. We also participate in Kids on the Block, a puppet program for third graders. this program discusses timely issues, such as bullying, divorce, and disabilities.

I have been a member for 16 years! This organization is extremely efficient and well run by all volunteers with no paid staff! All donations go directly to our programs. Operation School Bell provided new school clothing to 8,101 children in need last year! The children are transported to our facility by the School District where they are assisted one-on-one by a trained volunteer to select their clothing and other essentials. We also provide an opportunity for non-member volunteers from the community to help us clothe children, and they find it a most rewarding experience.

I consider it a privilege to be associated with this organization and to work with women who generously give of their time and talent day after day to help Assistance League meet its mission of enhancing the lives of children in need in the Las Vegas Valley. Being a member is is a big commitment...the work can be hard and the hours long, but the rewards are many. I'll never forget the first shift I worked in Operation School Bell helping a child "shop" for new clothing who said he had never had anything "new" before and when he learned that he could choose any shoes he wanted you would have thought it was Christmas morning! The smile on his face, the thankful hug received and the sense of pride I felt in knowing that I helped make that happen...that's what Assistance League is all about!

I love this organization and all the great ladies who volunteer here. We served so many children and families in need. I feel a sense of pride to be a part of this great organization. What I give is small compare to what I get back in return; friendship and a sense of belonging. I also learn a lot being with this diverse group of ladies who are smart, dedicated, driven and giving. If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference, this is the one to join.

I have been a member since 2003. I never knew the rewards involved with giving back until I joined. Wow there is no greater experience. We do Operation School Bell and the school bus arrives and children from first to six grades show up and these children come in and we try on brand new clothes and we supply them with 2 brand new outfits including underwear, socks and one new pair of sneakers. They get a healh kit, school supplies a book and lunch. When children are homeless we get their sizes and we make a package of all the things that I listed above and they are delivered to the school. We give memory boxes to parents who have lost their child at birth. We deliver books to the schools that are written in english and spanish so the children can take home a book. Our group are all volunteers and no one gets a salary except the janitor. We have a thrift shop and the funds we get go toward all programs. After one operation school bell one of the boys I clothe was on his way back from the bathroom said to me "Thanks for buying me these new clothes". You can't buy that feeling of making a child happy. I am so proud to be a member.

Assistance League of Las Vegas is a local organization made up of volunteers who are committed to making over 8,000 children in Clark County schools feel good about themselves through our School Bell Program that supplies children with brand new clothes, shoes, health kits, and school supplies. In addition to our School Belle Program, we also have clothes closets in over 30 schools for emergencies, such as no jacket on a cold winter day, socks and underwear and other clothing needs. We also have a tutoring program in a local elementary school. If anyone is interested in joining an organization that will make you proud, then Assistance League of Las Vegas is the one!

I have been a member of the Assistance League for six years and have found it to be a genuinely worthwhile experience. There are many meaningful ways for our community volunteers to reach those in need. The women who are members are willing to give of themselves and share their kind-hearted and inspirational ideas, which has allowed us to continue to grow and reach so many people in our community.

I have been involved with The Assistance League of Las Vegas since 2009. I have never worked with ladies so giving of themselves. Every aspect of the Assistance League is to enrich the children's lives of the Las Vegas area. From the School Bell, Thrift Shop, Puppeteers, Bears program, Desert Sage, I could go on and on of the many committees of the Assistance League that are working for the Las Vegas children. The moment I walked into the Assistance League I knew this is where I wanted to give my volunteer time to. Everything is so well organized. You can see the genuine care these ladies give to these children who have less. This organization has made great differences in the lives of children in our area. I am proud to be a member of the Assistance League..

The Assistance League of Las Vegas clothes over 8,000 poor local children a year through Operation School Bell, and it has many other wonderful efforts. As a member of the night-time portion of this group, we make and donate Memory Boxes to local hospitals for the families of premature infants and other babies who die in early infancy so that their family has a lovely gown for the burial, a pendent to bury with the infant and a memory book for the family. The group also has written sixteen bilingual Pocket Books which we donate by the tens of thousands to local public schools so that the kindergarten children own a book which they can read with their parents. We give the nurseries at the local public hospitals health kits for the new destitute mothers to take home so that they have a thermometer, baby blankets, and urgently needed necessities. We donate Shadow Buddies to the local Pediatric Oncologists so that children with newly diagnosed cancer can see what is happening to them, and then take the dolls with them for Show and Tell and to take to the hospital with them.

I have been involved with the Assistance League of Las Vegas for 5 years as a member of the evening auxiliary. This dedicated group of women, all volunteer, serves children and families in need in the Las Vegas area having clothed over 7000 children through Operation School Bell, donated over 80,000 Pocket Books to needy children in our local district schools, donated more than 200 Memory Boxes to families that have lost a baby at birth through area hospitals, donated clothing items to needy schools, and provided cuddly Bears for first responders to distribute. This organization has made a great difference in the lives of many. I appreciate volunteering with people who care so much.

I have been a member of the Assistance League of Las Vegas since 2008, I found the League at a very down time in my life, having lost purpose. I walked into a family that provided not ony purpose, but friendship. The organization has such a diversity of programs that it is easy to become happily over-envolved. I participate in School Bell, clothing thousands of needy children. I was able to help set up the first (of nearly 40) Assistance League Closets in Elementary Schools, providing quick clothing needs for children. My favorite project in the Assistance League is being a " Kids On The Block" puppeteer performing meaningful skits on social issues and disabilities to third grade school children. It is highly rewarding organization that contributes greatly to the Las Vegas community.

I have been a member of Assistance League's Auxiliary (smaller night-time group) but under the same umbrella since 2000. I love this organization, both the chapter and the auxiliary. Our part of the group provides "memory boxes" to area hospitals for grieving parents who lose an infant at birth. The boxes contain a blanket, a handmade burial gown and bonnet, a book on grieving and loss (English and Spanish versions) and an angel pin for the mom. We donate approximately 200 of these boxes per year. We also write, illustrate, and print our own copyrighted little books that we call Pocketbooks. Some are story books, some cover a concept like numbers or colors, and some are for the very earliest readers. This year, we will donate 90,000 of these little books to high risk schools. The women work extremely well together as a group and form very close bonds. Come join us!

I have been involved with Assistance league of Las Vegas for 10 years. This group of dedicated women have made a difference in the lives of children in our community for over 25 years. It has been an honor to work with this group.

I have volunteered with Assistance League of Las Vegas for 12 years. The efficiency and camaraderie that is exhibited by our members is unique. I feel very good about the programs we have for children and the volunteers we have to serve them. We have the ability to hear about a need in a school, like emergency clothing, and now have a program in 37 schools to fill that need. Our thrift shop is a clean and friendly environment that provides low cost clothing and housewares to the community.

I have been involved with the BEARS program for the last two years. We provided 4,500 bears each year to 25 various agencies throughout the valley. Homeless shelters, children's hospitals, policemen and firemen (to name a few) report back to us how comforting the bears are to these little people. Just one more way the Assistance League of Las Vegas is making the world a little brighter for such deserving children!

I have been an active member for 13 years and feel that the work we do in all of our projects is very helpful to those in need. It's not only a valuable service, but one that is not duplicated by other such organizations. Dorothy Bokelmann

My mom had been a member for years, and, for years she kept telling me I should join. This year I did! It's been the best experience. This is the most efficient, well run organization I have ever been a part of, profit or no profit! The commitment to the Las Vegas community and its children is phenomenal! Every person working is a volunteer, including the president of the organization. They still work in the thrift store or Operation School Bell giving even more. I'm proud to be a member and I love the integrity of the Assistance League. We make a difference...

WE ARE A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHO;S PURPOSE IS TO HELP CHILDREN IN NEED. IT IS A PLEASURE TO WORK FOR THIS WONDERFUL GROUP.

I'm so proud of being a life member of the Assistance of Las Vegas. We are an all women volunteer organization, which provides many needy school children of Las Vegas with two sets of new clothes, new shoes, school supplies, health kits, underwear (6 pairs), socks (6 pairs), a grade appropriate book, and many extras; everything is new; our Operation School Bell area is like going into Target. Many of the students have never had new clothes, so all their faces light up with smiles and many ask "Are these mine to keep or are these just for me?" The students are sent to us through our school district. Another program we provide for the the students of Clark County is The Kids on the Block, where two sets=four women go into schools throughout the county and put on puppet skits for third graders. They perform many skits, such as ones on divorce, learning disabilities, blindness, cerebral palsy, ADHD, bullying, etc. After each skit the third graders can ask the puppets questions regarding the skit. At times the questions become very personal. ALLV is the greatest!!!

We are an all volunteer large group of women who devote their time to improve the lives of needy school children in our Las Vegas Community. The children are sent to us by the Clark County school district and through a program a called Operation School Bell we provide new clothing, shoes, jackets, health kits and more. Last year we were able to do so for more than 8,000 children. We also run a wonderful thrift shop and several other programs that benefit our community. I'm proud to have been a member starting my 8th year with this wonderful organization.

ALLV is 100% volunteers. We clothed over 8,000 homeless & at-risk kids this year. We love monetary donations plus items for our Thrift Shop. I drive 20 miles one way to volunteer, but the rewards are great. To see the look on a child's face as each walk away with a bag of new clothes is so heartwarming.

The assistance League is not only a great place to volunteer, it provides so much for children and families in the area. I am proud to say I have been a volunteer for over ten years. I would recommend others to become a member to serve the community , and make good friends. Carol Stewart

The Assistance League of Las Vegas has profoundly impacted thousands of lives for both children and their families through our signature "Operation School Bell" to literacy programs, community outreach and Angel's Assistance programs, The first time I volunteered with Operation School Bell (helping children from at-risk schools choose new outfits, coats, shoes, socks and other items), I saw firsthand the need we were fulfilling in our community. One of the most memorable moments was a child who tried on the new clothes over his existing clothes because he was homeless and with little room in their car (and for warmth), they wore as many clothes as possible.

An amazing organization whose work is so needed in the community. The number of children they serve with an all-volunteer staff grows each year. The dedication of the membership is awe inspiring!

The Assistance League of Las Vegas clothes school children (designated as needy by the Clark County School System) in grades K-8 with new school appropriate clothing. This provides a child with clothing so that they are not embarrassed to go to school. Along with clothing there is a health kit and school supplies given each child. Other activities of ALLV include Kids on the Block, a puppet show with moral teaching, Assistance League's Closet where they have clothing should a child have an accident or other traumatic incident during the school day and need clothes.

I am a member and volunteer for the Assistance League of Las Vegas and have been for over 3 years. I feel honored and proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. All of our wonderful members unselfishly work hard donating their time with love to help our community and families in so many ways. ALLV is most deserving to be on the 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofits list!