A
ssistance League of the Chesapeake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that gives kids in need the tools for success. Our Operation School Bell program provides school uniforms to students who need them, tutoring, help in the classroom, and more.
We fund our philanthropic programs with membership dues, community support and generous donations from individuals and organizations. All donations stay in Anne Arundel County, benefiting adults and children in need.
The Joy of Giving
“I have been volunteering in a Title I school for twelve years. After retiring from government work, I decided I wanted to be involved with helping children in some capacity. A news article led me to learn about Assistance League of the Chesapeake. They were just starting volunteer programs in Title 1 schools—just what I was looking for. I walked in cold to a meeting—not knowing a person there. Not only did I find the perfect volunteer opportunity, but I discovered a group of like minded ladies and made some wonderful friendships.
“Nothing brings greater satisfaction than having a child to whom you have just explained something light up and say, ‘I got it!’ In addition to tutoring, I played on the playground with children, accompanied classes to zoos and cultural events, started knitting clubs, and pen pal clubs. Letters were exchanged with children in Florida and California and as far away as Nepal. When a child in Florida said his favorite food was grits, I baked a grits casserole so our children could have a taste. Loved the look on one little boy’s face when he tried the grits.”
School Uniforms
“Once when a mom called the school to have her child walk home, the child didn’t know which home to walk to. That is when I realized that some of these children had no home. Some children would come to school in tattered, dirty clothes. When the school changed to uniforms, the ALC started a huge project of providing uniforms to needy children. Today this project has expanded to six elementary schools and many children can now go to school with their head held high.”
Sing-Alongs
“Another Assistance League activity is bringing sing-alongs to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Often some of the attendees can hardly sit straight in a chair, but we see their lips moving to the songs and we realize that maybe we’ve brought a little joy into their life that day.”
Kids On The Block Puppet Troupe
“Still another program brings puppets to schools to teach how to deal with bullying—an important topic today. One puppet has a learning disability and ‘learns in a different way.’ It is heartwarming to witness children talking to these puppets and taking in their message.
“Sometimes when at the mall I hear a child’s voice joyfully call out ‘Mrs. Smith,’ and I know it is one of my ‘children.’
“I never miss an opportunity to encourage new retirees, or those looking to put some special meaning into their life, to join Assistance League. What can be better than mixing fun with helping others.”
— M. Smith, Assistance League member since 2005
We are proud to be a GuideStar Exchange Platinum Participant.
Corporate Sponsorships
School Bell Benefactor: $5,000+
Literacy Champion: $2,500 to $4,999
Community Partner: $1,000 to $2,499
Impact Sponsor: Up to $999
Please contact info@alchesapeake.org if your company is interested in becoming a sponsor of Assistance League of the Chesapeake or click HERE to make your sponsorship donation.
