News & Events
What’s Happening at the Bargain Box!
Bargain Box Jumps Into Action
As soon as the evacuation order was lifted for La Cañada Flintridge and the power was back on, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened services at the library next door to Assistance League of Flintridge, for those affected by fires. ALF members followed suit and brought out rolling racks of warm jackets, sweats, and blankets to the Bargain Box parking lot and invited FEMA applicants to shop at no cost to them. This impromptu “pop-up shop” was held over two days. It was so appreciated by visitors that the Bargain Box chairmen and managers decided to do it again the following Monday.
On January 20, the Bargain Box again opened its doors for a “Free Shopping Event” that was publicized more broadly. Volunteer members from ALF, CAP, and Assisteens showed up to help families with their needs. It was heartwarming to serve our neighbors during this time of great tragedy and to hear their stories. Between the three events, the Bargain Box was able to provide warm clothing and household goods for approximately 50 families.
Donations May Get Put on Hold
The Greater Los Angeles community has proven time and time again that we are resilient and generous. While the Bargain Box is grateful for the outpouring of donations, sometimes we have to put them on hold until we can clear up space. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Thank Your For Your Support
We are proud to be part of Assistance League of Flintridge whose mission is to “transform lives and strengthen community.” Through the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and our philanthropic programs, ALF will continue to do just that.
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.
Mark Your Calendars: ALF Summer School Registration Opens March 10!
Assistance League of Flintridge will be offering its annual Summer School program at Palm Crest Elementary School from June 16 through July 11, 2025. Children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade may enroll in enrichment classes covering a wide range of interesting topics, including “Backyard Science,” “From Story to Stage,” “Band for Beginners” and “Strategy Games.” Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 12 noon and are 4 four weeks.
The ALF Summer School program has been administered by volunteer members for over 45 years, with classes always taught at the La Cañada schools. Students in the local community will have the opportunity to explore subjects that are challenging, enjoyable and creative, all for “the joy of learning” and without any homework.
Class information and descriptions are now available! Registration begins Monday, March 10 at 12 Noon.
ALFie Company to Perform Disney’s “Aladdin JR.”
Twenty-five young actors in grades five through eight will be performing an exciting rendition of Disney’s “Aladdin JR.” on Friday, March 14, 2025. It will be presented at Lanterman Auditorium, 4491 Cornishon Avenue, La Cañada Flintridge.
This musical is directed by Katelyn Fike, along with assistant director Tristan Waldron. Piano accompaniment will be provided by longtime ALF member, Nancy Abbott. Their hard work is greatly appreciated!
ALFie Company is a philanthropic program provided by ALF. There are 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.
For more information about ALFie Company, click on the flyer or the “More about,” or contact us at drama@alflintridge.org 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.
Application packets for 2025 are now available!
Cub Scouts Step Up for Assistance League
Assistance League of Flintridge welcomed Cub Scout Bear Den 5 to their chapter room recently as the third-graders learned about the non-profit organization for their “Paws in Action” citizenship activity. After an overview of ALF’s philanthropies and an eye-opening tour of the Bargain Box Thrift Shop, the boys pitched in to assemble 120 hygiene kits to be distributed to students in need as part of the Operation School Bell program. The scouts are part of Pack 512 at La Cañada Presbyterian Church.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
