New Clubhouse opening for the Assistance League in 1940

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Assistance League of Fullerton, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those less fortunate in North Orange County. Founded in 1940, the league has established its roots in downtown Fullerton, delivering vital emotional and physical support to individuals and families across the community, regardless of their background.

The organization was founded by Angelina Yorba Kraemer, a key figure in the region’s history. A descendant of a prominent family with deep ties to California’s early days, Kraemer’s vision for the Assistance League was to create a space for giving back and supporting those in need. The league’s founding members included several well-known women from North Orange County, who organized events like rummage sales and tea gatherings and sold tickets to local horse shows to raise funds for their philanthropic work.

Over the decades, the Assistance League has adapted and grown. In 1952, it purchased a building owned by St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 226 Amerige Ave., transforming it into the Bargain Box Thrift Shop, which opened its doors in 1959. Since then, the Thrift Shop has continued to thrive, generating around $350,000 annually for the league’s programs. The organization also hosts the annual “Taste of the Town” event, which, in its 45th iteration, is set to take place at Hangar 21 at the Fullerton Airport on June 13, contributing about $40,000 each year towards their philanthropic initiatives.

The league’s programs include Operation School Bell, which provides new clothes to K-12 students, and Operation New Start, assisting families escaping abusive environments with essential items. Other initiatives include scholarships for students at Cal State Fullerton and La Vista High School and holiday support programs in collaboration with local charities. An impressive 95% of the funds raised go directly into these community programs, showcasing the league’s commitment to making a tangible impact.

Notably, the Assistance League operates entirely through the dedication of volunteers, who contribute roughly 22,000 hours of service annually. Among its initiatives are two auxiliaries: ALPHA, composed of working women organizing philanthropic programs, and Assisteens, a group of teens engaging in community service while developing leadership skills.

The Assistance League of Fullerton stands as a cornerstone of philanthropic effort in North Orange County, with its headquarters on West Amerige serving as a hub for volunteer activities. The league’s enduring presence reflects a community spirit that has persisted for 85 years, embodying the essence of support and care for the region’s most vulnerable residents.