Seven chapters of the Assistance League hosted a “Chapters for Children” two-day “shopping” event at Camp Pendleton on Aug. 13 and 14 for identified Marine dependents. Assistance League of Temecula Valley provides two pairs of boys’ jeans to each boy every year. Courtesy photo
Recognizing that military families sacrifice for all of us, seven Assistance League chapters from Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties say thanks each August in a very tangible way: new clothes and school supplies. The chapters hosted a “Chapters for Children” two-day “shopping” event at Camp Pendleton on Aug. 13 and 14 for identified Marine dependents. Each chapter is responsible for providing a specific piece of clothing or item. Assistance League of Temecula Valley has participated in the event during the last six years and provides two pairs of boys’ jeans to each boy attending the event. This year there were 267 recipients for 534 new boys’ jeans. Jeans not distributed were left at Camp Pendleton for distribution as needed at the base.
Chapters combine their resources to rent a special tent and set up a store stocked with new jeans, shirts, socks, underwear, hooded sweatshirts, school supplies, personal care items and a gift card for shoes at a local retailer. During Saturday and Sunday, Assistance League volunteers help children find the items they want to make going back to school a success. Many smiles and joyful words of thanks were heard in the mammoth shopping tent as 677 children chose their new clothes.
Ann Steinhilper, event coordinator, said one aspect of this event that makes it unique is that kids get to choose what they want. “It makes it even more special for them,” Steinhilper said. “Everyone feels good, and we’re so glad we can do it because of what the military does for us.” All of the goods distributed are purchased brand new by each chapter. The funds used to make those purchases came from fundraising efforts earlier in the year.
Assistance League of Temecula Valley, like many other chapters, operates a thrift shop, the Assistance League Thrift Shop at 28720 Via Montezuma in Temecula. Revenue from thrift shop sales is the main source of funding for chapter philanthropic programs.
Assistance League of Temecula Valley, a chapter of National Assistance League, is a nonprofit, volunteer philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the needs of families in Southwest Riverside County. Browse their website at www.temeculavalley.assistanceleague.org or call (951) 694-8018 for more information.
