History

The History of Assistance League®of Flintridge

On December 14, 1951, twenty-six women met at an invitational tea and formed Assistance Guild of Flintridge as a probationary Guild of National Assistance League.  After three years as a Guild, Assistance League of Flintridge received its Charter in March 1954 and became the 21st Chapter of National Assistance League.  Assistance League of Flintridge became known locally by the acronym of ALF.

 

The Bargain Box Thrift Shop was started in January 1957.  It originally operated from a converted garage at the La Cañada Youth House from 1956-1957 and eventually moved to Oakwood Avenue in 1968.  Revenue from the Bargain Box became the principal source of fundraising for Assistance League of Flintridge.  Donations received from the community and support from customers continue to make it possible for ALF to fund its philanthropic programs.

 

In March of 1967, Assisteens® auxiliary was formed, made up of teenage daughters and granddaughters of members.  ALF now welcomes Assisteens members, both male and female, in grades 7-12.  Assisteens’ philanthropies include preparing hygiene kits, goody bags, and infant blankets for families in need, supporting the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and the activities of the philanthropic programs, as well as other projects suggested by the group,

 

The passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 brought a crisis in the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) and its summer school program was in jeopardy.  Assistance League of Flintridge stepped in right away and began ALF Summer School in June of that year.  These were fee-based enrichment classes for grades 1-8, administered by Assistance League of Flintridge and held at one of the elementary schools in La Cañada Flintridge.  As of 2022, Summer School enrichment classes are offered for grades 1-6.  They have been popular for over 40 years.

 

In 1985, ALF began a fee-based Instrumental Music program with supplemental funding provided by Assistance League of Flintridge.  The program was offered during the school day in the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) elementary schools for students in grades 4-6.  In 2004 the Instrumental Music program was modified and classes were offered only before and after school.   In September 2024, the music classes transitioned to an independent music company  but ALF continues to provide low-cost instrument rentals for students in the LCUSD music program.

 

ALF Drama began in 1986 as after-school, fee-based workshops to introduce students to theatre arts.  The program currently includes ALFie Players for grades 3-6, and ALFie Company for grades 5-10 with lively performances in the fall and winter at Lanterman Auditorium.  Over the years, ALF Drama has also performed plays during the summer, but in 2017, ALF Summer School expanded their class offerings to include more stage options for drama students.

 

In response to the changing times, ALF invited members of the professional community to establish an auxiliary.  Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP) was launched with 37 charter members in the fall of 1990 and certified in the fall of 1991. CAP philanthropic programs include CAPPY Bears for children in emergency care at Verdugo Hills Hospital (VHH); CAP Care PACs for victims of trauma at VHH and Union Station; personal care supplies provided to families at Elizabeth House; assistance with Operation School Bell®, a program for children in need; and annual scholarships for students graduating from one of the local high schools and planning to attend a vocational or community college. SPROUTS, an early childhood enrichment program is currently on hiatus.

 

In 1995, the Mary Ellen Hillgren Memorial Scholarship was established by the Hillgren family, to be administered by ALF.  Graduating seniors who are residents of La Cañada Flintridge and who attend La Cañada High School are invited to apply for these scholarships.  Mary Ellen Hillgren served as President of Assistance League of Flintridge in 1980-1981, and as President of National Assistance League in 1983-1985.  The scholarships are merit-based, awarded for excellence in character, extra-curricular activities, academic achievement and community service.  Recipients are selected by an ALF committee.

 

Operation School Bell® (OSB) is Assistance League’s national philanthropic program, operated by all chapters in their communities.  In April of 2005, OSB was added as a philanthropic program for ALF.  In the fall of 2006, an agreement was signed with Assistance League of Pasadena creating a partnership for their Operation School Bell® program.  This agreement was the first of its kind in Assistance League history.  OSB also works with LCUSD to identify children in need and to provide new clothing, backpacks, school supplies, and as of 2018-2019, Chromebooks for grades 5-12.  Beginning in 2016, Assistance League of Flintridge further expanded the OSB program to the broader foothill community by providing shoes, personal care kits for homeless students, and internet access through “hot spots” for students, as needed.

 

ALF members have also participated in one-time philanthropic projects organized by the Community Needs Assessment and Outreach committee.  The first in 2012, was the collection of needed items for “Skidettes,” an ecumenical group that made sack lunches for individuals in need in the downtown area of “skid row.”  ALF has also participated in “Make A Difference Day,” a program through National Assistance League that provides books to children.  ALF’s recipients have been the Los Angeles County library, La Cañada Flintridge (2012), the Special Day classroom at Paradise Canyon Elementary (2013), the Apperson Elementary School library in Sunland (2014), Sunland Elementary School (2015), Plainview Charter Academy in Tujunga (2016); and North Valley Military Institute, a LAUSD charter school (2023.)  In 2017, a one-time donation was made to several students who had aged out of the foster care program in the Los Angeles County.  In 2022, the Outreach Committee’s name was changed to ALF in Action and it became permanent philanthropic program.  Each year, 2-3 programs are identified to receive support from Assistance League of Flintridge.

 

Former ALF programs include: Teen Tennis Tournament (1967-1989); Youth Employment Service (1969-2015); Scholastic Aptitude Test Review (1972-1998); College Application Essay (1989-2015); Career Testing and Counseling (1974-1994); Community Cultural Awareness (1990-2002); and Retired Service Volunteers (1976-2020.)

 

Assistance League of Flintridge has received the Les Tupper Community Service Award in 1971, 1995, and 2017; the District Honorary Service Award from the La Cañada Council of PTA for its service to the community; and in 1990 became the first recipient of the T.H.A.N.K.S. Award which was presented by the Governing Board of the La Cañada Unified School District in recognition of service to youth through a successful summer school program.  The RSVs received a special Les Tupper Award in May of 1989.

 

In 1993 the California State PTA awarded ALF its highest honor, the Golden Oak Service Award.  In 1995 ALF received the first Chamber of Commerce Organization of the Year Award and the Les Tupper Community Service Award for the second time.  The Chapter received the Roger Barkley Community Center 2006 Gilbert Smith Service Award for service and dedication to the community.  The PTA Continuing Service Award was presented to ALF in 2008.  The La Cañada PTA Council’s Continuing Service Award was again presented to the Chapter in 2013 and again in 2018.

 

In 2024 Assistance League of Flintridge celebrated its 70th anniversary.  In the 2015-2016 year, the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce honored Assistance League of Flintridge for 65 years serving the community since 1951 when the Guild was established.  The City of La Cañada Flintridge honored the Assistance League of Flintridge at their May 17, 2016 City Council Meeting.

 

In 2016, SPROUTS, a CAP program was recognized with commendations and proclamations by Mayor Jonathan Curtis of the City of La Cañada Flintridge. California State Senator Anthony Portantino, U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger for 25 years of providing programs for preschool children ages 3-5 for Early Intervention Enrichment.  The SPROUTS program is on hiatus until further notice.

 

Currently there are over 120 Chapters within the Assistance League organization.  Together there are 22,000 Assistance League members, all dedicated to service in their communities.  Each Chapter is responsible for raising funds to support its philanthropic programs and to control, administer, and staff the programs.

Phyllis Hersey, 1st President

1952

1953

1957

1960

1960s

1961

1963

1963 Assisteens

1970 Teen Tennis

1973

1989

1974

Bargain Box

1979

Bargain Box

Thank you for your interest.

 Be part of the story.

Join us today!

ALFie Singers

1994-1995 Assisteens