NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE^® is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian service organization that recognizes the potential of volunteers helping others. It links community volunteers across the nation through Chapter membership and provides opportunities for community service and leadership development.

The history of NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE begins with the great San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Founder Mrs. Hancock Banning (above) observed and was deeply moved by the plight of persons ineligible for assistance from then existing relief organizations, so she organized the “ASSISTANCE LEAGUE^®” of Southern California as a relief unit. This relief unit, an outgrowth of the Red Cross Shops of World War I, continued its volunteer activities and eventually became the first chapter of ASSISTANCE LEAGUE in 1919. Her philosophy of personal service was: “To act as a friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care, guidance and assistance, spiritually, materially, and physically.” This continues to be the purpose of NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE.

Gradually ASSISTANCE LEAGUE expanded its service to the community, specified its philanthropic philosophy, and in 1935, it became an organization with a nationwide focus as NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE. Chapter expansion was rapid with chapters forming across the United States. Chapters continue to be formed today. To learn more about this organization, please visit National Assistance League’s website for additional information.