ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF CORVALLIS
Our Chapter
Assistance League of Corvallis was formed in 1968 as a nonprofit volunteer organization whose members strive to develop, implement, and fund our on-going programs to serve people with specific needs in Benton County. Our chapter is composed of more than 170 member volunteers who have contributed over 15,000 hours last year to make a measurable difference through our six philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell®, Dental Education, Hug-A-Bear, Hygiene Help, Jackson Street Youth Services Partnership and RED (Read Every Day).
WE BELIEVE
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE ENGAGES AND EMPOWERS VOLUNTEERS
TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES
YEAR IN REVIEW
FY 2024-2025
FUNDRAISERS
Member volunteers raise funds through a variety of activities. All of our fundraisers depend upon community support; every time you purchase a food gift, take part in one of our events, or make a donation, someone in Benton County benefits.
PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS
Assistance League has been lending a hand in our community since 1968. During this time, our membership has developed and maintained six philanthropic programs that support and nurture children and adults in Benton County.
OPERATION SCHOOL BELL
Operation School Bell continues to be the signature philanthropic program of all Assistance Leagues. This program provides new clothing for eligible Benton County schoolchildren to encourage learning, improve attendance, and increase self-esteem. Each student receives a warm jacket, shoes, jeans, shirts, sweats, socks, underwear, and a personal grooming kit. Older children sixth grade and up also receive bras and gym shorts. School personnel and social services agencies refer recipients to the program. In recent years, we have clothed over 1000 children per school year and the average cost to clothe each student is $150.00.
RED (Read Every Day)
RED, or Read Every Day, is under the umbrella of Operation School Bell. The goal is to collect/purchase books to give to new K-6 teachers throughout Benton County for their classroom libraries. These books will offer an opportunity for children who have finished their assignments to pick up a good book and enjoy some silent reading. On average we deliver over 1600 books to approximately 35 new teachers.
HYGIENE HELP
Personal Hygiene is key to being more confident, to perform better academically, and have a higher attendance rate in school, according to several studies. Low-income families, though they may be given Oregon SNAP food stamps, are restricted from using them on hygiene and household products.
We have established hygiene closets in schools in the Corvallis, Monroe, Alsea and Philomath school districts. Each closet is brimming with hygiene supplies such as: laundry detergent, lice spray, deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, hair brushes, feminine napkins and dish soap. Throughout the year, school personnel will notify us when additional supplies are needed.
DENTAL EDUCATION
In addition to receiving their own dental hygiene kits, sixth-grade students will watch the award-winning video, The Power of Healthy Teeth, which was created by the Dental Education committee. Click here to see the video.
HUG-A-BEAR
Hug-a-Bear program provides an ongoing supply of teddy bears to local police, fire departments, and other Benton County agencies, as well as the Oregon State Police. These brand-new bears are given to comfort children and adults in traumatic situations.
JACKSON STREET YOUTH SERVICES PARTNERSHIP
The Jackson Street Youth Services Partnership provides needed items for vulnerable young adults in Benton County. Clients will receive a storage bin with many useful items including towels, blankets, sheets, table lamp, and more.
Additionally, Assistance League of Corvallis provides new undergarments for the homeless youth that Jackson Street serves.
DONATE
Together we can make a change. Please consider donating today.
Serving children and families in Benton County for over 50 years.
Mail your Donation
Our Mailing Address is:
Assistance League of Corvallis
547 NW 9th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
For a mail in form, click HERE
Donor Privacy Policy
VOLUNTEER
Make a Difference in Your Community
JOIN ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
Membership in Assistance League of Corvallis
Assistance League of Corvallis has over 175 member volunteers and is a vibrant presence in the community. Our members come from all walks of life, but all share a common purpose – to offer services and opportunities to the children and families in Benton County. Members contribute to the organization in a variety of ways, from spending time on our philanthropic programs to fundraising efforts in support of those programs, from individual or group craft projects, to administrative duties behind the scenes. We take great pride in what we do, and, while we work hard to reach our goals, we also strive to create a pleasant and rewarding atmosphere for our members.
The women of our chapter welcome new members who would like to help in our ongoing work to make our community a better place. It is suggested that members contribute a minimum of fifty hours per year on philanthropic programs and fundraising activities. We have annual dues, and new members pay a small one-time fee for their name badge.
We accept new members throughout the year. We also invite potential new members to meeting with our Membership chair and learn about the activities of our chapter and the rewards of membership in Assistance League. During the first year of membership, each “class” of new members is oriented as to all of the chapter’s activities. The New Member Advisors serves as a “trainer” for the new member class. In addition, each new member is paired with a current member who is a mentor and guides them through the chapter’s activities. The new member class works together on a project during their orientation, promoting a feeling of service and friendship.
Assistance League of Corvallis Non-Discrimination Policy:
Assistance League of Corvallis serves any person in Benton County, regardless of race, religion, sex, gender, age, disability, or other legally protected status, as long as they meet our basic service standards. Our membership is open without discrimination, to all individuals, as long as they comply with the responsibilities of membership.
For information in joining Assistance League of Corvallis, please click HERE
Make a Difference
Knowing you can make a profound difference in the lives of children and their families in Benton County.
Being part of a team that believes their participation can help make a better community.
Using your talents to serve your community.
Personal Development
Developing skills you never knew you possessed.
Solving challenges with imagination.
Seeing the power of change in action.
Friendships
Experiencing new opportunities.
Making friendships that will last a lifetime.
ABOUT US
The History of Assistance League of Corvallis
In February, 1967, Doris Caldwell, Cathy Lewis, Jane McHenry, Jean Reynolds, and Charlotte Thompson met with five women from the Salem chapter of Assistance League to discuss forming a chapter in Corvallis. Later that spring Dorotha Barratt, Colleen Gilbert, Jean Hogensen, Shirley Wirth, and Midge Woods joined the original five and helped create a list of women to invite to join this new venture. Ninety-six women accepted invitations to membership.
At the first meeting in February, 1968, held in the Consumers Power meeting room at 9th Street and Garfield Avenue, the group elected officers and selected Operation School Bell as their first philanthropic program. Clothing was received and displayed in Hal Whiteside’s old real estate office on Witham Hill. In early 1970, Operation School Bell moved to the second floor of Anderson’s Sporting Goods — where it was cold in the winter but rent free. That fall, regular meetings moved from the Consumers Power building to the Corvallis Country Club, where the group met until May, 2007. On May 15, 1969, National Assistance League® granted us Guild status. On May 12, 1970, the Corvallis Guild became the 49th chartered chapter of National Assistance League.
Most board and committee meetings were held in members’ homes until 1972 when we purchased a house at 534 NW 4th Street to be our headquarters for Operation School Bell and other activities. In 1994, we sold the 4th Street house and purchased another at 547 NW 9th Street. We renovated the house and paved the adjoining lot for parking. This house is still the center of Assistance League activities except for the monthly meeting, which is held at the Corvallis community center.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
“We are a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian, 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 23-7020093) serving emotional and physical needs of children, young adults and families, regardless of race or creed.”
Mission
Assistance League volunteers transform the lives of children, young adults, and families in Benton County.
Vision
Essential needs are met in our community and families flourish.
Values
Commitment, Leadership, Ethics, Accountability and Respect.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) STATEMENT
National Assistance League strives to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that ensures every person belongs, is respected, and valued as themselves.
– Adopted September 2022
Board Members for 2026-2027
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Rhonda Crangle
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Susanne Taylor
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Greta Brooks
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Mary McKay
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Barbara Edwards
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Shana Cox
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Gene Newburgh
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Nancy Ulman
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Soozi Stevens
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Debbie Butler
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Stephanie Fisher-White
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Cara Takamori
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Penny Reher
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Kathy Zimbrick