Assistance League's Pleasing Food

Originally started in Los Angeles in 1907, the original Assitance League was organized by a group of society women who were inspired by local efforts to aid victims of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Assistance Leagues were nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organizations and quickly grew across the Western United States to help aid families and children.

As America entered World War I, the Assistance League participated in the organization of Red Cross Units and developed a thrift shop fundraising model that modern nonprofits continue to use today. As the film industry grew in Los Angeles, the ladies of the Assistance League partnered with film studios and supporting organizations to sponsor and market the creation of Assistance Leagues across the US. There are many photos of early Assistance League members with celebrities such as Mary Pickford and Shirley Temple to promote league activities.

In 1940, the Long Beach chapter was organized with the intent of creating a community of volunteers of all ages to transform the lives of children and adults through community programs. They are still active today with over 800 members.