Assistance League of Flintridge (ALF) - Assistance League of Flintridge

Assistance League of Flintridge

Assistance League was originally developed from a group of women led by Anne Banning during the San Francisco earthquake and World War I. Since that time, Assistance League has grown to over 23,000 members and 120 chapters nation-wide. Each chapter develops and administers programs to meet the needs of their specific communities. Assistance League of Flintridge became the organization’s 21st chapter in 1954. We are proud to be part of this tradition of giving and honor those who paved the way.

ALF members meet once a month on a Wednesday morning. During the rest of the month, ALF members staff the Bargain Box Thrift Shop. Staffing duties may include receiving donated items, pricing, merchandising products, monitoring the shop floor, and using the cash register to ring-up sales. On other days, members actively participate in the chapter’s many philanthropic programs. Proceeds from sales made in the Bargain Box are the sole support for our programs. ALF does not do any other outside fundraising.

New for 2022 – ALF Creates New Membership Category
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 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.

ALF members administer and support the following philanthropic programs:

ALF Drama
ALF offers two after-school drama programs each year for students in grades 3-10. ALFie Players traditionally takes place in the fall and ALFie Company is usually held in the winter. ALF members administer the program, working with staff and other volunteers to register students, select plays, hold rehearsals, set-up venues and support the performance activities.

ALF Instrumental Music
Assistance League of Flintridge offers music classes at the three La Cañada Unified School District elementary schools for students in grades 4-6. ALF members administer the program, working with the District, ALF staff and other volunteers to register students, coordinate classes and curriculum, provide rental instruments, arrange for special practices and events, set-up venues and support concert activities.

ALF Summer School
For over 40 years, ALF Summer School has provided enrichment classes for students at one of the La Cañada Unified School District elementary schools. ALF members administer the program, working with the District, ALF staff and other volunteers to register students, organize classes and curriculum, provide supplies, and coordinate the daily activities of approximately 400 students in grades 1-6.

Scholarships
Every year since 1995, Assistance League of Flintridge awards Mary Ellen 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 excellence in academics, character, extra-curricular activities and community service.

Operation School Bell^®Since 2005, Assistance League of Flintridge in partnership with Assistance League of Pasadena, provides clothing, personal care items and books to elementary school-age children in the Pasadena Unified School District. Students in need from La Cañada Unified School District are also provided the opportunity to receive school supplies, backpacks and computers. ALF members administer the program, staff during school clothing fitting sessions, and coordinate the distribution of items to the families.

Assistance League in Action
The ALF in Action committee participates in philanthropic projects to fill a particular need in the community. Committee members reach out to local organizations, businesses, school district representatives and members to identify the greatest need and have provided items such as hygiene kits, books, school supplies, toys, shoes and computers to under-served youth and families in need.

It takes quite a team to make it all happen. Be assured that your help is both needed and appreciated.

Ready to Volunteer?

ALF welcomes new members throughout the year. After completion of a short orientation process and payment of membership dues, new members are able to assist in the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and other philanthropic activities right away. New members may choose their level of commitment based on their ability to serve.

If you think that being part of Assistance League of Flintridge might be right for you, let us know! Send us the completed form below, email us at info@alflintridge.org or simply call 818-790-1328. You will be contacted by a member who can answer your questions and get you started.

We hope that you will join us!

Prospective Member Contact Information