The Assistance League of Pasadena celebrated 75 years of community service and improvement at The Valley Hunt Club on Tuesday. The non-profit was founded in 1941 and currently has over 120 chapters. The Pasadena chapter is one of the oldest in the country and is known for supporting five community programs.

Their programs include Operation School Bell which provides clothing and school supplies to underserved children in the Pasadena Unified School District. Last year they helped over 1,500 children. Twice a year they also recognize middle school students who have demonstrated significant improvement in attendance, academics or behavior over the course of a semester through their Very Important Performers program.

The League also provides Assault Survivor Kits to offer comfort and help restore dignity to assault survivors and offers Bear Hugs, in the form of teddy bears, to neglected, abused, or traumatized children at Violence Intervention Program in Los Angeles County – USC Medical Center, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, Pasadena Police Department, Pasadena Health Department, and Huntington Hospital.

As outgoing president, Irene Miller, explained today was not just a celebration of the Assistance League but of the human spirit and the community’s commitment to volunteerism. “I have no doubt that we will continue for another 75 plus years,” he said.

Mayor Terry Tornek also presented the Assistance League of Pasadena with a certificate of commendation. As one of the over 1,000 non-profits in Pasadena, the Assistance League is one of many volunteer-led organizations that makes Pasadena unique. “ALP has been an integral force in shaping our community,” said Mayor Tornek.

Karen Morrison was awarded the Ada Edwards Laughlin Award in honor her dedication to the ALP and her special help with the newsletter. The award was named in of one the founders of the Assistance League and is presented to an outstanding member each year.

For more information on the Assistance League and their philanthropies visit http://www.pasadena.assistanceleague.org/.