The National Assistance League was formed in Los Angeles after the San Francisco Earthquake and officially recognized as an organization in 1919. After the death of Joan Anderson, a member of the La Canada Flintridge Chapter and National Board of Directors in 1986, her beloved daughter-in-law, Cindy Anderson became convinced that there would be no finer tribute than to recognize Joan’s passion by forming an Assistance League Guild in the Santa Clarita Valley. Based upon the mission of being “of assistance to everyone who needs it,” she and eleven other young women began the process, and with 52 of their friends, signed the original Charter to become the Assistance Guild of Santa Clarita in January of 1989.
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Philanthropy requires fundraising. Early efforts included rummage sales and 5K Races, pizza sales and Pancake “Breakfast with Santa,” fashion shows and cookbook sales. Then the vision of opening a resale store became a reality with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Take Two Resale Shop in July 1999.
With fundraising well begun, the first philanthropic project called Teddy Bear Patrol was launched. Teddy bears were dressed with Assistance League tee shirts and given to children suffering through traumatic situations. Fire stations throughout Santa Clarita have participated in this effort.
 In 1992, a grant was presented at the opening of Santa Clarita’s first mall. This grant helped launch Operation School Bell, where students at Wiley Canyon Elementary were fitted with shoes purchased by the Guild.
Bingo with patients at the Santa Clarita Convalescent hospital led to the beginning of Family Ties, and a Valentine Day Party and Dance in 1993 began a long-standing relationship with LARC Ranch.
Holiday Cheer Tree parties combined socializing with philanthropy, culminating in holiday meals and gifts for needy families in Santa Clarita. Such programs provided rewarding experiences for everyone involved.
That was then. What about now?
Now membership has grown to 150 adult members and 49 middle and high school members of the Assisteen Auxiliary who add so much to the organization.
Now, funds are raised at the expanded 5-K Race, Sunset in the Vineyard, Community Partners, and the Assistance League Resale Store, located on Main Street in Newhall.
Now over 100 Teddy Bears a year are placed through fire and Highway Patrol stations, hospital emergency rooms and the Domestic Violence Center; monthly home-cooked meals, birthday and Christmas gifts are provided to the residents of the convalescent hospital; needy high school students receive evening wear so they can attend their proms; and nearly 3000 children are outfitted with new clothes for school.
Assistance League Santa Clarita is proud of its first 25 years and eager to grow even further in the next 25.
For more information stop by our store in Old Town Newhall at 24364 Main Street, or call 661-255-1991 or go to www.assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org.
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