Assistance League is a national

nonprofit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

with over 120 chapters dedicated to providing accessibility and fulfillment of community needs at the local level. Each chapter focuses on helping their community with philanthropic programs ranging from donating classroom supplies, clothing and books to supplying teddy bears to law enforcement in giving to traumatized children, and providing Assault Survival Kits of new clothing at hospitals for rape victims. The Assistance League consists of Chapter Members (who volunteer to staff Thrift Stores and other events), Assisteens (high school youth), and ALPHA or Assistance League Professional Humanitarian Auxiliary (working professionals or business women who wish to contribute to the community).

History

Assistance League was established in 1919 by the philanthropic efforts of Anne Banning (daughter-in-law of

Phineas Banning Phineas Banning (August 19, 1830 – March 8, 1885) was an American businessman, financier and entrepreneur. Known as "The Father of the Port of Los Angeles," he was one of the founders of the town of Wilmington, in Los Angeles County, Califor ...

) and Ada Edwards Laughlin (daughter-in-law of

Homer Laughlin Homer Laughlin (March 23, 1843 – January 10, 1913) was an American businessman and potter who, with his brother Shakespeare, formed the Laughlin Pottery Company in 1871 in Newell, West Virginia.''Press Reference Library : Portraits and Biograp ...

) to form Assistance League of Southern California. Anne Banning, was a leading philanthropist of her time, with a mission to aid families in distress as a result of World War I. Her vision to provide service to all in need, regardless of their race, religion or culture, laid the foundation for the future of the organization. The first Assistance League thrift shop opened as a revenue source for the philanthropic programs: Day Nursery, Girl’s Club, and others. In the 1930s, the Assistance League called on daughters and granddaughters of its members to assist in various philanthropic projects. This participation developed into Assisteens, a youth focused program of volunteerism for grades seven to 12. After 1935, neighboring communities sprouted affiliate chapters and a national representation was beginning to organize under the guidelines of Ada Laughlin. In August 1949 National Assistance League was formed. Since its inception, the Assistance League has had the support of Hollywood celebrities participating in volunteerism and charitable events. It was not uncommon to see celebrities like

Jean Harlow Jean Harlow (born Harlean Harlow Carpenter; March 3, 1911 – June 7, 1937) was an American actress. Known for her portrayal of "bad girl" characters, she was the leading sex symbol of the early 1930s and one of the defining figures of the ...

reading stories to children in need,

Claudia Dell Claudia Dell (born Claudia Dell Smith; January 10, 1910 – September 5, 1977) was an American showgirl and actress of the stage and movies. Early years Dell was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 10, 1910. She attended school in San ...

waiting tables for a good cause or

Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black (born Shirley Jane Temple;While Temple occasionally used "Jane" as a middle name, her birth certificate reads "Shirley Temple". Her birth certificate was altered to prolong her babyhood shortly after she signed with Fox in ...

, who was actively involved as a member, running the register at an Assistance League gift shop. The Assistance League and its chapters have won numerous awards including being nominated and winning the All-Star Award for Make a Difference Day in 2012 and 2013, an annual recognition to individuals and organizations making the biggest impact nationally through volunteerism.{{cite web, url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/weekend/living/2014/04/04/make-a-difference-day-awards-assistance-league-honored/7296763/ , title=Make a Difference Day Awards: Assistance League honored , publisher=USA Today , date=2014-04-04 , accessdate=2014-04-08

References

External links

Assistance League Official Website
Organizations established in 1919 Non-profit organizations based in the United States Aftermath of World War I in the United States 1919 establishments in the United States