At age 78, I had completed a 50 year career and was a recent widow. Ready to start a new chapter in life I accepted an invitation to attend and Assistance League Of Los Angeles Theatre for Children performance by the ladies of the Nine O’Clock Players. After the performance I witnessed the actors greeting the children with hugs and autographs and watched the children squeal with delight. I knew at once I wanted to be a part of that happiness. It was life-changing for me. I felt a new sense of purpose and community. I enjoyed my new and meaningful friendships. We all had passion and a common interest… the well-being of the children who came to see the shows. I witnessed the supplemental support we gave to the most vulnerable children and considered it a step towards their bright future. Volunteering is a wonderful way help children get a step up in life. To see their smiles encourages me to help in any small way I can. At the end of the day I feel so proud and privileged to be a volunteer.
I have been a member of Assistance League of Los Angeles for over 10 years and served in many capcities including president. In my role as president, I had the opportunity to attend the League's national out of town convention. Upon my return, I caught a ride share home during which I struck up a conversation with the driver as we slowly made our way through LA traffic.
He asked where I had been and whether it was for work or vacation. Never missing an opportunity to share about the League's work in the community, I said the travel was on behalf of the non-profit I volunteer with and went on to describe the League's five service programs. He quickly stopped me mid sentence and asked, "Does your organization bring a trailer to schools? One that has pictures of children on the side?" I replied, "Yes! that was our Operation School Bell program on wheels".
He went on to explain that when his daughter was in 5th grade, the League's trailer had been to her school and she received new shoes, clothes, hygiene supplies and a book, all packed neatly into a new pink backpack. He described how excited she was when he picked her up from school that day and that she couldn't believe that she got new shoes and a new pink backpack! He relayed that his family had gone through a tough time financially and they did not have the resources to purchase new items for school that year. Through tears, he said that even though many years had passed, he still remembered how special she felt to be selected to receive all the new things. He was so grateful for our services because,"it gave my daughter a real boost and she flourished that year." He proudly shared that his daughter had recently graduated from high school with honors a was starting her first year in college with a major in Nursing. As a nurse myself, I could not have been more thrilled! As he dropped me off, we hugged each other and remarked how small the world really is and how one kind gesture can make a positve impact that continues to ripple through a lifetime. He was overjoyed that through this chance meeting he had the opportunity to thank the organization that helped his family when they needed it most.
Come join us at Assistance League of Los Angeles and be a champion of change for children in our community!
I am the Auxiliary Chair of Operation School Bell Los Angeles. In March, OSB, PromQueen Wendy Sliver and the Assistance League successfully mounted our 15th Prom for Foster and Unhoused High School Seniors. We had lots of obstacles and pivoted to an all outdoor event for almost 200 students. It was a huge success and the students were so happy. We even had our first non binary guest who was also running for Prom Queen and had a blast trying on gowns. They found three options for their event and all the volunteers were thrilled! The League provided additional clothing, luggage and swag for the students too. Not to mention, McDonalds prepared fresh, delicious food for the kiddos and volunteers all day long. It was an epic day and I was so proud to represent OSB LA.
As a teen, I was a member of the Assistance League of Los Angeles's Assisteen program. The philanthropic activities that I participated in were so satisfying that I always knew I would join the League as an adult. I participate in the Operation School Bell program which provides a week's worth of school clothing, a new pair of shoes, socks and underwear to the underserved K-5 school children of Los Angeles. The smiles on the kids' faces is priceless. They are most excited by their new shoes. Who doesn't love a new pair of shoes!
I encourage anyone looking for a rewarding opportunity to join us in our mission to improve the lives of underserved children in the Los Angeles community.
Assistance League of LA (the "League") is a 103 year old nonprofit organization. It has been able to sustain itself all these years through providing varied volunteering opportunities, member's donations, corporate and government grants, special fundraising events, etc.
The programs and services provided by the League are aligned with their mission statement:
Assistance League of LA improves the lives of impoverished children in our community through philanthropy, dedicated service and compassionate programs.
The League has made an impact on the children they served.
League leadership is future oriented. It empowers members and staff to develop and use their leadership capacity. The leadership is open to new ideas and innovations and collaborates with other agencies.
It is clear why this nonprofit has been in existence in our community for over 100 years.
The lives of children have been changed for the better because of the programs and services provided by the League. And no doubt, this organization will continue to sustain itself for the next 100 years!