Assistance League, founded in California, is the first nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization founded in the West to recognize the potential of volunteers helping those less fortunate to a better, more meaningful life. The first chapter began in Los Angeles in 1919. As the area grew, more chapters were formed. To support the growing number of chapters, National Assistance League was organized in 1936 and incorporated in 1949. From this modest beginning, Assistance League has grown to 120 chapters with over 22,000 members throughout the United States.
Highlights of the Pasadena chapter of Assistance League include:
Founded in 1936 and chartered in 1941 as the 6th chapter of Assistance League
Opened Craft Fair Gift Shop in 1955 and operated for nearly 70 years, to showcase hand-crafted items made by seniors
Built the California House building in 1965 for program facilities, meeting rooms and volunteer offices
Opened Treasure Fair Thrift Shop in 1977 to raise funds for Assistance League of Pasadena’s philanthropic programs and to serve the community
Launched Operation School Bell® program in 1990 to clothe disadvantaged school children in the Pasadena Unified School District
Established the Care and Comfort program (formerly Assault Survivor Kits®) in 1995 to provide clothing and personal care items to individuals in crisis
Created the SNAP! program in 2017 to quickly address problems in our community
Developed the School Supplies for Success program in 2018 to supplement Operation School Bell®
Created the Educational Advancement program in 2024 to provide educational support to youth in the Pasadena area