Assistance League – Orange

Boutique Noёl 2025 Wraps up with Round Up Donations

Catherine — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:51:34 +0000

The 31st early holiday boutique benefitting the charitable programs of Assistance League of Orange concluded on Saturday, October 11. Proceeds are still being counted but the early totals include over $1,000 in “Round Up” donations over and above individual shoppers’ purchase totals. Boutique Noёl attendees are definitely “Shopping with Purpose” and giving with purpose! Thank you to all who participated — vendors, volunteers, guests, and donors!

Shirley Winick,, Rose Vennekolt and Jane Hudson helped shoppers check out at Boutique Noёl on Friday, October 9.

Orange County Board of Supervisors Honors our Chapter

Catherine — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:20:23 +0000

The Orange County Board of Supervisors designated September 2025 as Service Club Month, and honored many groups, including Assistance League of Orange for our philanthropic service in the local community. President Claire Kocek presented a proclamation from the County to members gathered for their regular monthly meeting on October 3. The inscription mentions many reasons for the recognition, including, “Over generations, (these clubs) have become pillars of support and pride, elevating countless individuals through mentorship, youth development programs and civic education.” The proclamation also acknowledges the long term impact of groups such as Assistance League of Orange, citing “the steadfast history, inspiring actions and lasting contributions of service clubs has exemplified how organized volunteerism can transform lives and uplift communities.”

Operation School Bell Recognized

Catherine — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:20:06 +0000

Assistance League of Orange was recognized by its OUSD partner school, Prospect Elementary, in its Community Newsletter for starting up Operation School Bell in August. It featured a photo of Jean Wanger and Deida Conrad and recognized our volunteers, “providing new uniforms to students in need, helping our Prospect scholars feel confident and proud as they returned to campus.”

Jean Wagner showed up to the September meeting with a stack of over 500 new requests for Operation School Bell received in August 2025

Ada Edwards Laughlin Award Announced

Catherine — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:51:50 +0000

A highlight of the June 6 chapter meeting was the presentation of the Ada Edwards Laughlin award to a very surprised but deserving Jean Wagner.

Presenter Lori McNair emphasized Wagner’s many “unsung” contributions to important operations of the chapter, including how she annually transforms over 150 donated prize baskets for the annual fundraiser into true “works of art.” Wagner also manages the details of the Operation School Bell program with co-chair Deida Conrad that clothes and equips over 1000 students for success at school, as well as training incoming committee chairpersons on how to run efficient meetings. The Ada Edwards Laughlin Award is named for a co-founder of Assistance League and is bestowed annually on a member who makes significant contributions to a chapter’s success behind the scenes.

Wagner accepted the honor from previous recipient Lori McNair (left), pictured above.

Leadership Award Honors Norma Hockensmith

Catherine — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:38:36 +0000

The Anne Banning Leadership Award was presented to Norma Hockensmith (pictured above, right) at the Chapter’s June 6 meeting amidst a standing ovation for the most deserving honoree. During the reveal of the recipient’s identity, presenter Charlotte Vaughn (pictured above, left) enumerated the many ways Hockinsmith has contributed to the enduring strength of Assistance League of Orange, including the reinvention of the Boutique Noel event over 30 years ago, the creation of the Orange Blossoms Auxiliary 20 years ago, and the more recent additions of the Miracles for Kids program and Member to Member outreach. A two-time past president of the chapter, Hockensmith has also served on the board in numerous capacities, and led the Assisteens Auxiliary. During her presidency in 2020-21 she memorably enabled the chapter to celebrate its 80th anniversary by spearheading a yearlong series of virtual monthly events during the pandemic lockdown that managed to keep the chapter’s members engaged, connected and inspired. The Anne Banning Leadership Award, named for the founder of Assistance League, is given to a member in recognition of their leadership efforts to significantly add to or improve a chapter’s programs, resource development or marketing functions.

New Board of Directors Installed

Catherine — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:13:14 +0000

Lisa Swenerton passed the president’s gavel to Claire Kocek at the Chapter’s Annual Meeting on June 6. The new board of directors for the 2025-26 term was formally installed, including: (Back row L to R) Alice Prothero, VP Membership; Carolyn Seeley, Secretary; Ginny Abell, Assisteens^® Liaison; Jill Housky, VP Strategic Planning; Diane Lanois, Treasurer; Bree Sanberg Director; and Cheryl Scudday, Director; (Front row) Clarie Kocek, President, Cresence Boland, VP Resource Development, Robin Lyall, Director and Sandra Kosin, VP Marketing Communications. Not pictured above are Renee Canuso, President-Elect; Melodee Fahy, VP Programs; Karen O’Keefe, Director; and Nikki Tischbern, Orange Blossoms Liaison.

President Kocek’s theme for the year is “Bee-ing Awesome” and includes a tag line that reinforces the group’s 85-year history — The AL Orange Hive is Alive!

Don’t Miss the Boutique Noël After Sale

Catherine — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 19:51:17 +0000

One Day Only: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Assistance League of Orange will open its doors at 124 S. Orange Street for an “After Sale” of all of the remaining hand-crafted Boutique Noël merchandise, as well as dip mixes, sauces and spreads from the Orange Blossoms Auxiliary, all at 25% off the original prices. This special sale is open to the public. There will be two free opportunity drawings, at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. with the winners taking home a lovely piece of autumn décor. If you wish you had purchased a particular item during the Boutique last month, you may find it still available at this “Last Chance” sale.

Thrift & Vintage Walk ‘N Shop Event

Catherine — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 00:18:59 +0000

The local Thrift and Vintage stores are coming together for a Holiday Thrift and Vintage Walk ‘n’ Shop Event on Saturday, November 23 from 10am-5pm. Assistance League’s Now & Again Thrift Shop will be part of this fun event, with new merchandise, giveaways and offer a chance to win a cool raffle prizes.

Get your Free Passport at any participating Thrift Store. Collect stamps from all participating stores on your passport to be eligible to win the Grand Prize – a $600 Visa Gift Card! Enjoy the day by shopping and exploring these stores, receiving discounts to participating restaurants, giveaways. Three other winners will receive Gift Baskets from the participating merchants.

Drop off your completed passport at Full Circle Marketplace 140 S Glassell St, Orange by 5pm. Drawing will take place at 5:20pm on November 25 at Full Circle Marketplace. (You do not need to be present to win).

Free to the public. For more information visit: https://fullcircleorange.com/walk-n-shop

New Board of Directors Installed

Catherine — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:53:23 +0000

Assistance League^® of Orange past president Sandra Kosin handed over her gavel to incoming president Lisa Swenerton at the Chapter’s Annual Meeting on June 7. The new board of directors for the 2024-25 term was formally installed, including (L to R in photo): Carolyn Seeley, Parliamentarian; Sandra Kosin, Marketing Communications; Robin Lyall, Director; Leslie Sorrells, Strategic Planning; Julie Bynon, Orange Blossoms Liaison; Darlene DeCenzo, Resource Development; Ginny Abell, Assisteens^® Liaison; Lisa Swenerton, President; Alice Prothero, Membership; Linda Kiser, Director; Daena Hullinger, Programs; Nancy Clark, Secretary. Not pictured above are board members Cheryl Scudday and Bree Sandberg, and Treasurer Clarie Kocek.

President Lisa Swenerton’s theme for the year is “Always Learning through Service,” represented by an image of a wise owl perched in an orange tree. Swenerton believes, “because change is constant, so too learning must be constant in order to build a resilient organization with a culture that accepts and embraces change.”

Anne Banning Leadership Award Announced

Catherine — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 20:44:18 +0000

Ginny Abell (pictured above, right) received a well-deserved honor on June 7 as she was presented with the Anne Banning Leadership Award at the Annual Meeting of Assistance League of Orange. During the reveal of the new honoree, last year’s recipient Charlotte Vaughn (pictured above, left) summed up the reasons Abell was chosen, including, “her personal commitment to the mission and values of the Chapter, her spirited enthusiasm for its programs and activities, her significant contributions in the areas of membership, resource development and marketing, and the profound impact her efforts have had on our organization and the community we serve.” Her nominators identified Abell as, “a mighty multi-tasker, a team player and team builder, super creative, a leader with complete positivity, and one of the kindest people you will know.” A past president of the chapter, Abell has served on the board in numerous capacities, led the Assisteens Auxiliary, the Chapter House Restoration committee, and the Embrace Orange fundraising committee for many years, all while also artistically compiling the bi-monthly member newsletter enjoyed by so many.