ALSC Brings A Brighter Future to Santa Clarita Students and Their Families

There is a remarkable philanthropic organization in the Santa Clarita Valley which as a volunteer organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of families in our community. The Assistance League Santa Clarita is comprised of 215 member volunteers, including 53 teen members of the Assisteens, who have provided selfless dedication to servicing the families of Santa Clarita for 27 years.

Their signature program, “Operation School Bell” provides new shoes and school clothing for children in need. The Assistance League Santa Clarita is clothing over 2,500 students this year. They also play games with children in the elementary schools through their Board Buddies program which helps teach literacy and develops critical thinking skills.

Under the Operation School Bell Program, the ALSC provides a program known as “icare for kids”. The organization held an “icare for kids” event Saturday morning, March 28th at the Santa Clarita Walmart in their eyeglass department. The Optometrist at Walmart, Michael Zimring, O.D., provided a complete eye exam for the students, who then chose their eyeglass frames for their new prescription glasses.

This program is co-chaired by Carole Tisserat and Betti Sternberg. Their program’s goal and personal dedication is to provide eye exams and eyeglasses for students in need in Santa Clarita. With no other agency in the Santa Clarita Valley providing eye exams and eyeglasses for students in need, the importance of community support is essential, and the ALSC helps fill that void. One of their dedicated volunteers, Joy Williamson said, “We love to see their smiling faces”.

Currently, local schools provide a basic eye test which some of the students do not pass and are unable to obtain eyeglasses due to their parent’s financial restrictions. With the wonderfully generous program of “icare for kids” these students are provided with the ability to see more clearly to help them succeed in school. The students are identified by the school, and offered help from the Assistance League. If the offer is accepted, Assistance League member volunteers make appointments with the eye care professionals and local contributing vendors to schedule this important step in the student’s journey to a more focused path ahead with their new glasses.

Students like Juan Hernandez who came with his mother Alejandra and sister Valery to have his eyes examined and fitted for new glasses. Their family w all smiles and left with a clearer outlook on the world ahead. Another student named Alexis Arreaga was so happy, her smile beamed wide from ear to ear as she selected her frames to finish her new glasses. Efren Marcelo of the Walmart eyeglass center happily assisted each student in the

In fact, a Los Angeles Times article on October 2, 2013 was quoted; “There is a crisis in California’s schools. More than a quarter of a million children, most of them from poor and minority backgrounds, lack the technology they need to succeed in school”.

“About 250,000 California schoolchildren don’t have the glasses they need to read the board, read books, study math and fully participate in their classes. About 95% of the public school students who need glasses enter school without them. These students are likely to fall behind and frustrate their teachers and parents.”

Other programs provided by Santa Clarita Assistance League include the “Teddy Bear Patrol”. By using member liaisons with Santa Clarita Valley first responders, their “Teddy Bear Patrol” program distributes soft, cuddly teddy bears to children who experience traumatic situations.

The ALSC also operates a Retail Store at 24364 Main Street, Newhall (between 8th & 9th Street in downtown Newhall). They carry new and gently used clothing, shows, accessories, books, toys, furniture and home goods at a fraction of their original price.

Through their “Family Ties” program, the members of the Assistance League prepare and serve home cooked meals for the residents at the Santa Clarita Convalescent Hospital once a month. With the Family Ties program as with every other program or event ALSC directs, their primary goal is to make a difference in the lives of families in their community.

For more information on these programs or other ALSC upcoming events;

Call 661-255-1991

www.assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org