News & Events
What’s Happening at the Bargain Box!
Welcome Shoppers!
Thank you for visiting the Bargain Box Thrift Shop. We are open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and most Saturdays. Be sure to review our hours of operation, holiday dates, and guidelines for donations. The store is staffed entirely by members who are volunteers.
We regularly have themed special sales and events like this one held before Valentine’s Day.
The store is open year-round and provides a continuing source of income for Assistance League of Flintridge’s philanthropic programs. Proceeds from the sale of donated gently used clothing and household items directly support programs in the foothill community.
The Bargain Box is pleased to announce our new Holiday Hutch! This area tucked in the back of the store will have holiday decor and specialty items that will pop-up throughout the year, not just during the time that you would expect. Check it out. Of course, we will continue to hold our regularly-scheduled special sales and events.
Bargain Box at the Lanterman House
On Sunday, May 26, the Bargain Box Thrift Shop joined the Lanterman Docent Council, other nonprofit organizations, and local artisans for the annual “Summer Picnic & Ukulele Rendezvous.” ALF volunteers staffed a vintage table and spent the afternoon engaged with community members on the beautiful grounds. Proceeds from the sale of vintage merchandise will directly benefit Assistance League of Flintridge community programs.
ALF Summer School 2024
For over 40 years, ALF Summer School has offered a variety of enrichment classes with fun activities and hands-on learning at one of the LCUSD elementary schools. We had a blast last summer and thank the students, staff, and volunteers for a great program. This year, ALF Summer School will be held from June 16 through July 11, 2025 at Palm Crest Elementary. Look for more information on the Summer School pages next February.
ALFie Players Celebrate Performance of Disney’s “Finding Nemo KIDS”
Twenty-five young actors in grades three through six lit up the Lanterman Auditorium stage on October 11, with the Assistance League of Flintridge’s ALFie Players production of “Finding Nemo KIDS.” More than 350 family, friends, and community members attended and enthusiastically applauded the children’s performance. Lively music and an assortment of colorful sea creatures helped create an unforgettable ocean adventure for all!
This musical was directed by Katelyn Fike, along with assistant director Tristan Waldron. Piano accompaniment was provided by longtime ALF member, Nancy Abbott. Their hard work is greatly appreciated!
ALFie Players is a philanthropic program provided by ALF. There were no admission fees for families to attend. Productions such as these offer children in the community a valuable chance to experience the joys of theater.
The ALF Drama program will also be presenting an exciting rendition of Disney’s “Aladdin JR.” this winter for grades 5-10. Registration is now closed. Rehearsals for the 9-week program will begin on January 14 and the final performance is on March 14. For more information, click on the flyer or the “More about,” or contact us at drama@alflintridge.org 818-790-2211.
40 Years of ALF Instrumental Music
Since 1985, Assistance League of Flintridge has administered an Instrumental Music program for students in grades 4 through 6 at the three LCUSD elementary schools. For the 2024-2025 school year, ALF Instrumental Music program has changed. See the letter sent to parents.
Assistance League of Flintridge will continue our philanthropic efforts and has provided instrument rentals for LCUSD students for this school year. Registration is now closed. For more information, click “More about” or contact us at instrumentalmusic@alflintridge.org or 818-790-2211.
Assisteens Program is Underway
Assisteens are auxiliaries of Assistance League chapters that encourage and provide volunteer opportunities for young people in grades 7 through 12. The Assisteens auxiliary at Assistance League of Flintridge was established in 1967 and since then, the local communities have greatly benefited from the philanthropic endeavors of the student-governed group. The goals are to uplift youth, to engage in community service and to develop a sense of personal responsibility, self-reliance, public speaking, and leadership skills.
The group meets one day a month during the school year to work on projects with opportunities on other days as they come up. Assisteens also staff the Bargain Box Thrift Shop on Saturdays. Meetings are held at Assistance League of Flintridge. Students from La Cañada Flintridge and the nearby foothill communities are welcome to sign up.
The current season of Assisteens began on Monday, August 26 with their first meeting, the Meet & Greet. For more information, click “More About” or contact us at assisteenscoordinator@alflintridge.org or 818-790-2211.
Mary Ellen Hillgren Scholarships
The Mary Ellen Hillgren Memorial Scholarship, administered by Assistance League of Flintridge, was established in 1995 in memory of and tribute to a prominent and dedicated member of the La Cañada Flintridge community. Mrs. Hillgren believed in the public education system and she wished to encourage the accomplishments of students whenever possible. Every year, Assistance League of Flintridge awards the Hillgren Scholarships to La Cañada High School seniors who will be attending a four-year college or university in the fall. A committee of ALF members reviews the applications and selects the recipients, based on academic achievement, character, extra-curricular activities and community service. The names of the recipients are engraved on a perpetual plaque that is displayed in the trophy case at the high school.
CAP Scholarships
Since 2001, the Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals has offered scholarships to further the education of students within La Cañada Flintridge and adjacent cities. Applicants for CAP Scholarships must attend a school in or around La Cañada Flintridge and plan to attend a two-year college or an accredited occupational program. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of merit with consideration given to career goals, achievements, community service and/or school involvement, and character.
Congratulations to all of the 2024 recipients. Look for bios and photos of the winners on the Scholarships page.
Happy Memorial Day
On Monday, May 27, Assistance League of Flintridge was happy to participate in the annual Fiesta Days Parade. A big thank you goes out to all the folks that cheered us on and for the support of the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and our philanthropic programs this year. We truly appreciate being part of the greater foothills community for 70 years.
ALF Invites Membership in “ALFie Lites”
Assistance League of Flintridge recently announced a newly created “Community Volunteer” category designed for those who want to volunteer with ALF but without the responsibilities of full membership. Applications are actively being taken. ALF has been a part of the La Cañada Flintridge community since 1954 and currently has more than 200 members in all membership categories. However, ALF realizes there are many people in the community who would like to volunteer time with ALF but have family or work obligations that prevent them from joining. ALF wants to offer an opportunity to such individuals. The new category is designed to include adults who would like to staff the Bargain Box for a limited number of hours each year. The new membership category is affectionately known as “ALFie Lites.” ALFie Lite members would commit to a minimum of five Bargain Box staffing days a year (each staffing is 3.5 hours), would need to be fingerprinted, receive a brief orientation and Bargain Box training. There is no further requirement to attend meetings, be on a committee or pay dues. Anyone interested in joining ALFie Lites should call the Chapter House at (818)790-1328 or email info@alflintridge.org.
Members Share at the Phil Faire
During a meeting of the membership, Assistance League of Flintridge members had the opportunity to learn more about philanthropic programs at the annual “Phil Faire.” Each of the chairmen representing Drama, Instrumental Music, Summer School, Operation School Bell, ALF in Action and Assisteens with their committees reached out to attendees and demonstrated what they do in their positions during the year. Members were able to sign-up right away for the jobs that appealed to them in addition to volunteering for shifts in the Bargain Box Thrift Shop.
Operation School Bell was Strong During COVID Shutdowns
Assisteens Give to Dog Therapy Program
Early in 2020, Assisteens were inspired and voted to support the Amerman Family Foundation dog therapy program at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Assisteens purchased 137 embroidered, lightweight jackets using funds earned while working in the Bargain Box Thrift Shop. The jackets were delivered to the hospital for volunteers to wear during their therapy sessions. Assisteens are pleased to support such a worthwhile program.
