Laguna Beach National Charity League Membership Drive Underway

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Capistrano Coast Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. has announced its Annual Membership Drive. Applications are open from women with daughters currently in 6th, 7th, and 9th grade, officials say.

The Capistrano Coast Chapter consists of nearly 187 members who reside in the Capistrano Coast Chapter boundaries.

This area includes, but is not limited to, the southern Orange County coastal community of Laguna Beach and follows the coastline south through the beach cities of Dana Point and San Clemente. Members also reside in San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Hills.

Mother Rachel Snyder enjoyed a six-year run with the group, along with her daughter.
"As a mom, I loved the time spent in the car driving to events opens up conversational avenues and afterward," Snyder told Patch. "There is usually something interesting to discuss. Specifically for High Schoolers, the service hours help with college applications. NCL is authorized to give the Presidential Service Award, and that is really cool. When you get that, there is a seal on your high school diploma too."

The Capistrano Coast Chapter mother-daughter teams volunteered 3,905 philanthropy hours in the 2018-2019 year for twenty-seven philanthropic organizations in the community, including Women Helping Women, Family Assistance Ministries, Families Forward, and The Little Red Dog.

In 2019, the Chapter worked directly with children at the Shea Center Therapeutic Riding Center, delivered meals to families at Mission CHOC Ronald McDonald House, and visited with and served Seniors at Age Well Senior Center.

Outreach coordinator Pam Balducci told us of her experiences with the league that has lasted a lifetime.

"I was in NCL growing up, and I wanted the same experience for my daughters," Balducci said. "I realized these experiences really helped me to be confident going out into the world! I also love the mother-daughter component, especially as they get older. It's such a great way to spend time together."

Now is the time for mothers of middle school and early high school daughters to step in and see what they can bring to the National Charity League, and how the league can help their daughters, in return.

"We are excited for the opportunity to welcome new mothers and daughters into our Chapter as we continue to create life-long philanthropists who graciously serve the community, "Lesley Dowd, Chapter President.

Dowd's daughter has graduated from the program, though she still has a connection with the friends she made with the group.

"They communicate with each other regularly, even though everyone is off at college," Dowd says. "They even planned to have tea over the holidays!"

For more information, prospective members are encouraged to visit the Capistrano Coast Chapter's website at capistranocoast.nationalcharityleague.org or send an email to membershipcapistranocoast@nclonline.org

Membership Drive Details:
Eligibility: A potential member shall reside within the Chapter boundaries and have a daughter currently in 6th, 7th, or 9th grade.

For more information, prospective members are encouraged to visit the Capistrano Coast Chapter's website at capistranocoast.nationalcharityleague.org or send an email to membershipcapistranocoast@nclonline.org