About Us
Named 2023 Nonprofit of the Year by the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce
We are one chapter out of 120 nationwide of National Assistance League. Believing in the power of the volunteer to effect positive change, our organization strives to improve the lives of children and adults in need through hands on programs developed, funded and uniquely administered by our all-volunteer membership.
Those who join this organization enjoy working side-by-side with dedicated, intelligent, compassionate like-minded volunteers; forging new friendships and discovering the difference a giving heart can make in communities.
Assistance League of Inland North County is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization putting caring and commitment into action through nine philanthropic/charitable programs. Member volunteers are dedicated to identifying and serving the needs of Escondido and surrounding communities covering over 400 square miles of the inland North County of San Diego. Our devoted member volunteers cheerfully give over 25,000 hours annually to serve and fund our community programs.
Assistance League of Inland North County currently has 150+ member volunteers working to make Inland North San Diego County a better place to live and work with the help of our community-based programs that benefit infants, children, adults and seniors.
We encourage you to learn more about our Chapter and the many ways you can become involved and make a difference.
Philanthropic and charitable programs are funded through Thrift Shop sales, fundraising events, grants and donor and supporter contributions.
Our Thrift & Consignment Shop, located at 2068 E. Valley Pkwy., in Escondido is our main source of funding. The shop is managed and staffed entirely by member volunteers. Donations are always welcome and are tax-deductible. Visit our Thrift Shop page for hours of operation and donations.
Mission, Vision and Values
2025-26 Board of Directors
2024-2025 Annual Report Summary
Financial Information
Bylaws of Assistance League Inland North County
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Community Impact
Celebrating 40 years of service to San Diego’s Inland North County area.
We are Assistance League of Inland North County, a chapter of National Assistance League®. We believe in the power of the volunteer to effect positive change. Our organization strives to improve the lives of children and adults in need through hands-on programs that are developed, funded and administered by an all-volunteer membership. Those who join our organization enjoy working side by side with dedicated, intelligent and compassionate volunteers; forging new friendships and discovering the difference a giving heart can make in one’s community.
Our History
Established as a guild 1982
Chartered as a Chapter of National Assistance League 1985
Starting Off Small
Mary Malone of Escondido, Marti Ferry of Lake S
an Marcos and Genie Jenson of Rancho Bernardo held an invitational coffee in March 1982. Their plan was to recruit interested women in establishing an Assistance League chapter in the north county region of San Diego. From those attending that first meeting, 79 women became the charter members of Assistance League of Inland North County (formerly named Assistance League of Escondido Valley). The first location for chapter meetings was a “little shack” at Washington Park in Escondido. The windows would rattle when the wind blew, but it was rent free.
Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shop
The first thrift shop business called the Bargain Box began in 1985 in a rented building on South Escondido Boulevard. A wooden cigar box served as a cash register. After renting different properties for several years, a capital campaign to purchase our own building was started. This campaign along with $50,000 from the Paul Newman recipe contest won by member Janet Sutherland and $10,000 donated by Major Market, enabled the chapter to purchase the old AAA property on East Valley Parkway. As the chapter grew, the building became too small to house the service programs. After a second capital campaign and a generous donation from Matt and Jean McLaughlin, the chapter built a new two story facility called the McLaughlin Chapter House.
Volunteers Serving the Community
The chapter’s first service program, Special Friends to Nursing Homes and Senior Residents was established in 1982. As income from the thrift shop business increased along with proceeds from special event fundraisers, the chapter members identified needs in the community and developed programs to meet those needs. There are currently 8 programs the chapter administers, funds and evaluates to help those in need in our local community. Volunteer opportunities include helping children improve their reading, working to meet the needs of adults and the elderly, volunteering in the thrift and consignment shop and helping to administer all operations of the corporation. As a member of Assistance League of Inland North County volunteers will
- Make a difference in the lives of children and families
- Influence the community in positive ways
- Use one’s talents and skills
- Be a leader
- Learn new skills and have opportunities to do things you never imagined
- Be an appreciated, valued member of Assistance League.
Speakers Bureau
Are you looking for a speaker for your next event? Assistance League of Inland North County regularly makes presentations to groups, service organizations, schools, churches, and senior centers. This program is offered free of charge and can run from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your group’s needs, and may include a video and PowerPoint presentation. The speakers are Members of our organization and fully knowledgeable about our philanthropic and charitable programs supporting community needs. We can also work with your group to arrange a tour of our organization’s operations, which includes our award-winning Consignment and Thrift Shop. Click the button below to submit your request and an Assistance League Representative will contact you to discuss the details.
