Philanthropic Programs
Our members currently operate six Philanthropic Programs serving children and adults in the Santa Clarita Valley, including the communities of Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia. Our members research a community need and design and implement a program to meet the need.
| Operation School Bell | The Kids on the Block | Teddy Bear Patrol | ||
| Remember 9-1-1 | Family Ties | LARC Ranch |
OSB provides new school clothing, shoes, school supplies and health care kits to eligible elementary school children in need. Children are identified by school district personnel, and together with their parents, are invited to shop one evening for appropriate school clothes: pants, shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets, and underwear. Assisteens®, our junior high and high school student auxiliary, fund and assemble health care kits and add them to the student’s bag at the end of the evening.
Our volunteers are convinced that children perform better in school when they enjoy a positive self-image. Operation School Bell helps prepare students for school and gives them a positive starting point for learning and academic success. In 2008 we served over 1,600 students from the Castaic, Newhall, Saugus, and Sulphur Springs School Districts in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Operation School Bell began nearly 50 years ago as a one-woman effort to provide clothing to disadvantaged children; it is now the signature national philanthropic program for Assistance League’s 120 chapters and guilds throughout the United States.
This program is an interactive program for local elementary schools in which puppeteers and puppets present topics of interest to teachers and children in grades K-6. Social issues such as bullying and physical or mental disabilities, are presented in small group sessions or school assemblies. This program helps promote understanding, smart decision making and sensitivity to others.
Interested in being a puppeteer or having a performance at your child’s school? Write to us at alsc@email.com .
Since 1989, Teddy Bear Patrol, our first program, has been providing soft, cuddly teddy bears to children who experience traumatic situations. Automobile accidents, fires, domestic problems, separation from a family member or facing surgery are among the situations warranting comfort from a bear. Bears are distributed by our volunteers to local fire stations, law enforcement agencies and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. Over 9,000 Assistance League bears have comforted Santa Clarita residents since the program’s inception.
This is a program geared toward first-grade children in Santa Clarita Valley schools. The Remember 9-1-1 activity books teach children what, why, when and how to dial 911 in an emergency. Teachers may use this activity book to
enhance their programs on social studies or health and safety. The activity book is often sent home to assist parents in discussing emergencies and reinforcing classroom learning.
In 1990 our members recognized that residents at the Santa Clarita Valley Convalescent Hospital would benefit from and appreciate a little extra joy through visits and home cooked meals. Once a month our members prepare and serve the residents a themed meal and visit with them while they eat. We also recognize the residents on their birthdays with personal gifts and cake. A home-cooked meal once a month and a gift on their birthday helps these individuals feel special.
This program provides an annual party, complete with live music, dancing and snacks or dinner for the residents of LARC Ranch (Los Angeles Retarded Citizens). This is an occasion for social interaction between the residents and chapter members, Assisteens, spouses and friends. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Masquerade and Disco are among the themes that have drawn more than 100 residents for this social event.
