THE ASSISTANCE LEAGUE of Garden Grove is 50 years old in 2017 (Orange County Tribune photo).
It was 1967. Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, “The Graduate” was in the movie theaters and “The Andy Griffith Show” ruled the airwaves.
That was also the year that the Assistance League of Garden Grove made its debut. In the half-century since then, the organization has helped countless children and families with food, school supplies, dental care and more, as part of a nationwide network.
The local Assistance League has its offices and thrift shop at 10932 Trask Ave., at Euclid Street. That’s the site of many of the organization’s good works, as well as its holiday bazaars and other events to raise money for its operations.
Over those 50 years, it’s been the mission of the group to provide services to students in the Garden Grove Unified School District and residents of Garden Grove. Among the activities of the local chapter are:
- Operation School Bell, which provides school clothing and shoes for needy children.
- The Dental Health Care Center, which provides low-cost dental care by a dentist.
- The Christine Allen Memorial Puppet Show, “To Tell the Tooth,” which presents a message on good dental health to second graders in the GGUSD in an entertaining manner.
- It provides teddy bears to child trauma victims, funds for eye exams and glasses for needy children and items for assault survivor kits.
If you care to support these charitable functions by visiting their Thrift Shop, the hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
If you’re interested in helping out or becoming a member, call (714) 530-2340 or send an e-mail to algardengrove@gmail.com.
The Assistance League will be honored Tuesday night by the GGUSD Board of Education.