“We are a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian, 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 23-7020093) serving emotional and physical needs of children and adults of all ages, regardless of race or creed.”

Our Chapter
Assistance League of Corvallis was formed in 1968 as a nonprofit volunteer organization whose members strive to develop, implement, and fund our on-going programs to serve people with specific needs in Benton County. Our chapter is composed of more than 170 member volunteers who have contributed over 19,0000 hours last year to make a measurable difference through our five philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell^®, Dental Education, Hug-A-Bear, Hygiene Help, and RED (Read Every Day).

Mission
Assistance League engages and empowers volunteers to strengthen our communities.

Vision
To become a recognized leader of community volunteerism.

Values
Assistance League of Corvallis, in its on-going efforts to serve our community, strives to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that ensures every person belongs, is respected, and valued as themselves.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) STATEMENT

Read the 2022-2023 annual report to the community, “Connections” by downloading the PDF Link below:

Our Philanthropic Programs

Operation School Bell^® continues to be our signature philanthropic program.  This program provides new clothing for eligible Benton County schoolchildren to encourage learning, improve attendance, and increase self-esteem.  Each student receives a warm jacket, shoes, jeans, shirts, sweats, socks, underwear, and a personal grooming kit.  School personnel and social services agencies refer recipients to the program.  In recent years, we have clothed over 1000 children.  Since 1968, over 23,500 Benton County school children have received clothing from Assistance League. In 2009, we also began providing paper products, feminine hygiene supplies, head lice shampoo, and other related items to families who need them through a program called Hygiene Help. Hygiene closets are now established in all schools in the Corvallis, Monroe, Alsea and Philomath school districts. Our newest program RED (Read Every Day) provides books to new teachers in Benton County for their classroom libraries.

Dental Education provides dental hygiene instruction to approximately 975 Benton County sixth graders each year.  Students view our self-produced, award-winning video, “The Power of Healthy Teeth,” and receive a dental hygiene kit.

Hug-a-Bear provides an ongoing supply of new teddy bears to local and state police, fire departments, and other Benton County agencies to comfort children in traumatic situations.

Other philanthropic programs over the years included the following:

1. Operation Toddler was added to Operation School Bell in 1971 to assist children of preschool age; it was discontinued in 1990.
2. The Dental Care Center began at Cheldelin Middle School in 1971 with a dental chair from the office of Dr. William Snook, donated by Lilias Snook and her daughter Barbara Cameron.  In 1990, dental services moved to local dental offices.
3. From 1975 to 1984, Student Aid gave one-on-one aid to children from Mountain View Elementary School who needed help with language and math skills.  Later the service was extended to other schools in the 509J district where needed.

Our Fundraising Activities

In order to fund our philanthropic programs, Assistance League has held many fundraising activities.  The first fundraiser, in 1968, was a garage sale that netted $300. As a cooperative venture with four other Assistance League chapters in the Northwest, we printed a cookbook entitled Nips and Dips. Other fundraisers have included The Haunted House, Red Stocking Revue, Village Fair, Mo’s Chowder Luncheon, Middleman Telephone Service, Bridge Marathon, Thrift Shop (later renamed Recycle Center), gala openings for new businesses, and Holiday Boutique. We have published four cookbooks (Nips and Dips; Oregon Sampler: Resorts and Recipes; Beautiful, Bountiful Oregon; and Everything Old Is New Again), as well as a perpetual gardening calendar called Oregon Gardening Guide for the Willamette Valley.

Today our fundraisers include the following:

1. Winter’s Eve Corvallis – a sparkling holiday celebration held in downtown Corvallis in conjunction with local merchants, featuring a silent auction, shopping, music, wine, and fabulous food.
2. The Galleria – a holiday gift sale featuring unique, hand-crafted items, ALC Foods, The Cupcake Café, and musical entertainment
3. Assistance League of Corvallis Foods – delicious food mixes and prepared food items sold at The Galleria, Winter’s Eve Corvallis, and occasional other venues
4. Grants – donations from various agencies, funds, or foundations
5. Individual Donations — 501(c)(3) tax-deductible gifts from individuals and businesses.