When caring and commitment are put into action,
the results are astonishing

Chapter History

  • In 1966, 34 Sacramento women, embracing this powerful vision, created an official guild and started the journey for Assistance League of Sacramento
  • In 1968, Assistance League of Sacramento, became the 45th chapter of National Assistance League with 52 members
  • The first chapter program served seniors in two convalescent hospitals who were unable to shop for themselves
  • The chapter has expanded to support eight programs in the Greater Sacramento area
  • After eight years of fundraisers, a small thrift shop was opened in 1987
  • In 2014, the chapter purchased its own building to increase revenues to grow programs supporting the community
  • Assistance League Center celebrated its grand opening in 2015, where our programs and resale shop continue to thrive
  • This 100% volunteer organization has touched hundreds of thousands of lives in the Greater Sacramento area

1968-Charter-Day-Sep-25,1968 Kids-w_-mrs.-Duke@capital-lunchTea-w_-Nancy-Reagan-May-1970-

National Assistance League History

  • Assistance League was the first nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization founded in the West to recognize the potential of volunteers in helping those less fortunate to a better, more meaningful life
  • Our founder, Ann Banning, was a member of a small group of prominent Los Angeles women who did local charitable work beginning in the mid 1890s, calling it Assistance League
  • In April 1906, the women of Assistance League responded to the San Francisco earthquake and fire by collecting money and sewing clothes
  • In 1919, Anne Banning and a group of twelve friends, including Ada Edwards Laughlin, recognized as co-founder, formed Assistance League of Southern California to provide food and clothing for local families severely impacted by World War I
  • A bungalow in Hollywood was purchased as the community house in 1923. The first services were Good Samaritan, Day Nursery, Girls’ Club and Theatre for Children
  • Film Location Bureau, Attic Tearoom, Women’s Exchange and Trousseau Shop provided the revenue. Originating between 1920 and 1930, these were pioneer services emulated by both public and private agencies
  • Anne Banning and Ada Laughlin organized National Assistance League® in 1935 to promote the growth of effective volunteerism through leadership training and education
  • Anne Banning felt it was fine to serve youth, but important for youth to serve. Informal girl groups began in the 1930s and were consolidated in 1944
  • Shirley Temple was a member of the Beverly Thrifties who supported the thrift shop. In 1959, guidelines were prepared for auxiliaries of members under the age of twenty-one and in 1961, all teenage auxiliaries were given the name Assisteens®
  • Through the gift of service to their communities, Assistance League chapters continue to fulfill Anne Banning’s philosophy of volunteer service: “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.”
Anne Banning
Ada Edwards Laughlin
Assisteen Shirley Temple

Annual Member Statistics

  • Over 280 current members
  • Over 25,000 individuals served in the Greater Sacramento area annually
  • Over 47,000 volunteer service hours donated by members1 and community volunteers
  • Estimated value of volunteer service: *$1,407,599

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2-29-20

Annual Program Statistics

  • 12,000 children clothed through Operation School Bell®
  • 13,000 books provided to schools through the literacy component of Operation School Bell
  • 2,000 items created by Senior Friendship volunteers were donated to organizations serving children and teens in crisis
  • 1,275 bears delivered to traumatized children
  • 41 homeless women outfitted by Clothes for Careers 
  • 15 scholarships awarded to community college students
  • 2,135 victims of sex trafficking, sexual violence and foster youth received housing starter kits, clothing, hygiene products and other support
  • 1,852 adults in transition received one-time goods or services and housing starter kits