Assistance League’s 60th March 19

In celebration, Assistance League of Arcadia (www.alarcadia.org) is pleased to announce an Open House, March 19, 2014, at its chapter house, 100 South Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA between 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Tours of Operation School Bell® will be offered and light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome!

The Assistance League of Arcadia, one of 122 chapters of National Assistance League, is an all-volunteer member-driven nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. This year the organization is celebrating its 60th year of providing lasting change in the community through hands-on involvement and innovative programs. The anniversary year was kicked off with a “Make A Difference Day” Book Drive with over 2,500 children’s books collected for distribution through Operation School Bell and Baby Basics programs.

Our “Kids on the Block” puppet team performs for local elementary schools.

Assistance League’s signature program is Operation School Bell, which provides new clothing for children who are pre-identified through arrangements made with local schools and counselors. The goal is not only to help the children feel better about themselves, but also about going to and staying in school. This program serves the Alhambra, Arcadia, Duarte, Monrovia, Rosemead, San Gabriel, and Temple City School Districts, as well as, the Almansor Center. The children’s Operation School Bell shopping experience includes a warm jacket, hooded sweatshirt, underwear, shirts, pants, shoes, socks, backpack, school supplies, hygiene kit, and books. Not surprisingly, school personnel and social workers have reported an immediate difference in the emotional state of the children assisted by Operation School Bell.

Students returning to class after shopping at “Operation School Bell.”

Last year, the Assistance League’s 347 volunteers provided 26,800 service hours to more than 25,000 children and adults through its programs. In addition to Operation School Bell, their Links to Learning program provides monetary awards to teachers to enhance their curriculum and enrich students’ classroom experiences. Hospital Magazines distributes magazines for all Arcadia Methodist waiting rooms and patients. Senior Programs provides seniors and visually impaired the opportunity to gather and socialize at the Assistance League of Arcadia Chapter House. Kids on the Block™ educates elementary students with puppet shows about the dangers of smoking, dealing with bullying, accepting disabilities, and healthy eating and exercise; and Baby Basics provides infant clothing, books, and supplies to new mothers through Foothill Unity Center.

Programs are funded through grants, donations, and the operation of The Bargain Box Thrift Shop located at 64 East Live Oak Avenue, Arcadia, CA. Thrift Shop hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm. Donations of gently used household goods and clothing are always welcome.

The members of Assistance League of Arcadia put caring and commitment into action and are always looking for active, dedicated volunteers to make a difference in the community. To learn more about Assistance League of Arcadia, please visit our website at www.alarcadia.org or email us at ala@alarcadia.org.