• 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

• 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.”

• 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

• 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