About Us
Who We Are
Assistance League of Fullerton is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and one of the 85 chapters of National Assistance League®. We were founded as a guild in 1940. The Fullerton chapter was chartered in 1950. The members of Assistance League of Fullerton are guided by Love of Community, Friendship, Respect, Generosity, Dignity and Service.
We currently have over 240 member volunteers working to make the North Orange County, California communities of Fullerton, Brea, Buena Park, La Habra, Placentia and Yorba Linda a better place to live and work through our programs. Assistance League of Fullerton supports community-based philanthropic programs benefiting everyone from infants to adults.
The Thrift Shop in Fullerton is our main source of funding. The shop is staffed and managed entirely by our member volunteers. Donations are welcome and are tax deductible.
We encourage you to learn more about our chapter and the many ways you can become involved and make a difference.
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OUR MISSION
Assistance League volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.
OUR VISION
Essential needs are met in our community and families flourish.
OUR VALUES
- Love of Community
- Friendship
- Respect
- Generosity
- Dignity
- Service
Board of Directors
2026 – 2027
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Voiza Arnold
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Sharon Clizbe
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Gayle Smith
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Heather Leal
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Judi Manalisay
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Julie Vandergrift
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Jean Corty
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Marilyn Huff
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Suzanne Jones
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Monica Hacker
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Toni Davis
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Marilyn Buchi
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Melanie Dennis
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Gayle Berggren
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Tracey Stein
Financials and Reports
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Our Story
World War II Shaped Our First Charitable Works
Founded as a guild in 1940 with Mrs. Samuel Kramer as the first president. Our first programs:
- Layettes for pregnant wives of service men
- Victrola and records donated to local USO Center
- Sunroom furnished at Santa Ana Airbase
- $150 donated to Red Cross War Fund
- Hospital equipment purchased for Cottage Hospital and Fullerton General
We Expand
Major growth in 1950s and 1960s:
- Chartered as chapter of Assistance League in 1950
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Amerige becomes League Center
- Property next door purchased for parking
- Thrift Shop opened in church building and named Bargain Box
- Cerebral Palsy Development Center is our major philanthropy
- Counseling Center For Families opened in association with Family Service Association of Orange County
Philanthopies Continue Increasing
In 1986 Vision Screening/Referral is introduced in partnership with Southern California College of Optometry (Marshall Ketchum University). Over 100,000 students screened 1986 – 2023.
By 1992 chapter budgets $100,000 for these Philanthropic Programs:
- St. Jude Mobile Pediatric van, $12,000.
- Family Services of North Orange County, $17,200
- Operation School Bell® serves 93 children
- Operation New Start
- La Vista Continuation High School supported
- Seniors’ Day
- Junior Auxiliary Dental screens 4,500 children.
- Vision Screening
TODAY – Seeking to make a difference one person at a time
Our Core mission is reflected in the $340,000 spent on programs old and new, we support:
- Operation School Bell
- Scholarships
- La Vista High School
- Rent and utilities for Meals on Wheels Fullerton
- Operation New Start
- Silver Support
- Santa’s Closet
- Center for Healthy Neighborhoods
We are always reaching out for opportunities to serve the community where needs are the greatest, limited only by our personal and financial means. Thank you to our members and donors who make this possible,
