Carol Bray Heralds the Generous Spirit of Volunteers

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/27/2015 -- Assistance League of Greater Portland announced that Carol Bray was installed as the President on May 15th. She leads a nonprofit community service organization with 120 member volunteers."I am humbled by the amazing amount of volunteer service women are willing to give to help others," spoke Bray. "In our fiftieth anniversary year, Assistance League of Greater Portland member volunteers donated 46,828 service hours, representing over a million dollars worth of service in Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas Counties."

Bray has dedicated her life to volunteer service. "I started volunteering as a freshman at Beaverton High School, not knowing anyone there, and ended up as 'Girl of the Year.'" Bray continued serving, in college and afterward, in the Junior League, in the Officers' Wives Club, as PTA President, and as Treasurer of the Navy League. "I had heard that Assistance League offered more hands on opportunities to serve those in need and I joined the San Antonio chapter." Ms. Bray has been a member of Assistance League of Greater Portland since 2008.

Assistance League's flagship program, Operation School Bell®, has assisted over 4.3 million children since 1958. Locally, the program has provided new clothing for almost 3000 children this school year. Assistance League of Greater Portland also provides support to youth in residential treatment, Life Story Books for foster children and emergency clothing for victims of violence. Funding is provided through grants, donations, special events and the Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Street in Beaverton.

About Assistance League of Greater Portland
Assistance League of Greater Portland is a chapter of a national nonprofit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through community-based philanthropic programs.Assistance League of Greater Portland

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Local Nonprofit Celebrates 50 Years of Volunteerism and Community Service. National Operation School Bell Award Presented to Jason Zacher.

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/16/2015 -- Member volunteers at Assistance League® of Greater Portland have a five decade tradition of combining fun, friendship and community service. A "fun-raising" party on April 11th at the Multnomah Athletic Club continued that tradition. "We are celebrating fifty years of service, a big accomplishment" said Nancy Fahey, who together with Rosalie Stevenson planned the Fifty and Fabulous! fundraising party. The sold out event was attended by over 300 guests. Proceeds benefit Assistance League's local philanthropic programs.

Guests dressed in fifties fashions and danced to classic hits played by Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts. Local entertainers, Poison Waters and Meesha Peru, served as emcees and auctioneers, presiding over a live auction. Guests gave generously at the paddle raise to benefit Assistance League's flagship program, Operation School Bell. Operation School Bell provided new clothing to over 3,000 children in need this year.

Vice President of Fundraising, Robbie O'Brien presented athlete Jason Zacher with the national Operation School Bell award at the event for his 188 mile ultramarathon run last June and his inspiring work to raise funds for clothes for 100 children.

About Assistance League
Assistance League is a local chapter of a national organization that puts caring and commitment into action with philanthropic activities. Assistance League's 180 member volunteers serve children and victims of violence locally with community service programs that provide new school clothes for students in need, enrichment activities for troubled youth, Life Story Books for foster children and emergency outfits for women who have been physically attacked. Donations, fundraising events and proceeds from Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton support these programs.

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Assistance League Announces $10,000 Sponsorship from Tualatin Business

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/11/2015 -- Assistance League® of Greater Portland today announced that Albina Co., Inc. has donated $10,000 to support the local chapter of the national nonprofit Assistance League.

The family owned Albina is based in Tualatin and specializes in metal bending and fabrication. Formed in 1939, Albina is an industry leader in structural steel bending, steel rolling and steel forming. Among other custom products, they produce state of the art canopies, roof trusses, bridges, store fronts, stadiums and parking garages. Albina's products are also found in exercise equipment, furniture, on playgrounds, bike racks, custom handrails, fences and more. Albina can produce virtually any metal component that needs to bend or curve without the use of pre-formed fittings.

The sponsorship was made in conjunction with Assistance League's fiftieth anniversary of community service in the greater Portland area.

About Assistance League of Greater Portland
Assistance League of Greater Portland has provided local philanthropic programs since 1965. Assistance League's member volunteers provide four community service programs. The programs serve children and victims of violence by providing new school clothing, enrichment activities for troubled youth at a residential treatment facility, personal history books for foster children, and clothing for women who have been assaulted and must forfeit their clothing in the emergency room. In addition to grants, sponsorships and donations, funds are raised at Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton Albina Co., Inc..

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Luncheon Celebrates Fifty Year Tradition of Women Leaders in Philanthropy

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/06/2015 -- On March 5th, a luncheon honored the original charter members of Assistance League® of Greater Portland and the dedicated leaders who have volunteered for the community service organization. The event was attended by 60 women, many of whom have volunteered with Assistance League for decades. The luncheon was a fitting recognition for the local chapter of the national nonprofit Assistance League. The group was formed in response to a luncheon in 1961 at the University Club in Portland where thirty-one local civic minded women discussed ways to serve those in need in the community.

Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, President Elect Carol Bray thanked the group. "The years teach much which the days never know." Bray continued"Assistance League has now accumulated knowledge gained over a fifty-year time span. Each of you has contributed to this legacy. We are a reflection of your dedication." Among the honorees were 16 past presidents, current President Carol Bergseng, and Gwen Wildfong, a charter member who remains an active volunteer with the community service organization with over fifty years of service.

Some of the volunteers are now retired but joined as career women. Louise MacDonald became an Assistance League member in 1978 when she became newly single. "I was very busy taking care of my parents and working full time but volunteering was very important to me." MacDonald spoke of volunteering on Saturdays and the Assistance League pot luck Monday night dinners shared among the professional group in that era. She added "I'm glad to have more time for Assistance League now that I'm retired." Barbara Durante, who joined in 1976, was a member of the professional group too. She commented that "Assistance League is a godsend to me. I have made so many good friends throughout the years."

Special guests of honor also included active member volunteers age eighty or better, mirroring this year's eightieth anniversary of the national Assistance League which encompasses 120 chapters and 26,000 members providing community-based philanthropic programs across the country.

About Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shop
In the greater Portland area, member volunteers operate Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton, and raise funds through donations, grants, and special events to provide the greater Portland community with philanthropic programs. The programs serve children and victims of violence by providing new school clothing, enrichment activities for troubled youth at a residential treatment facility, personal history books for foster children, and clothing for women who have been assaulted and must forfeit their clothing in the emergency room.

Although many members have been active volunteers for years, new members are welcome. Those interested in becoming member volunteers of Assistance League of Greater Portland may contact Cheryl Lolich, Vice President, Membership at 503-526-9300 or alpdxnews4u@aol.com

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New Members are Welcome to Join a 50 Year Tradition of Community Service

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2015 -- Five decades ago, a group of local civic minded women at a luncheon discussed ways to serve those in need in the community. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, over 180 dedicated member volunteers serve children and victims of violence at the Assistance League of Greater Portland today.

A ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate five decades of community service was held in front of the local headquarters in Beaverton on January 23, 2015. Addressing an audience of local business owners, officials from the Beaverton and Hillsboro school districts, and member volunteers, Assistance League President, Carol Bergseng thanked the group for their ongoing support. "Such tenacious and strong women, what visionaries! What dreamers!" exclaimed Bergseng acknowledging the founding members and volunteer leaders throughout the years. "They faced the world head on, not afraid of change and always looking forward to the current needs of our community."

Assistance League's member volunteers serve the community with four philanthropic programs. The flagship program, Operation School Bell® will provide 2900 children in need with new clothes this year. Assault Survivor Kits® offer dignity to victims of rape and domestic violence with emergency outfits after they surrender their clothing as forensic evidence. Members craft Life Story Books for foster children to store photos and personal records. For over thirty-five years, Assistance League has supported troubled youth at a residential treatment facility by providing enrichment activities and birthday celebrations.

Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shop at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton, staffed entirely by volunteers, help raise funds to support these programs. New treasures arrive daily. From new and gently used clothing to costume and fine jewelry, to furniture and household items, there are treasures for every budget.

New members are welcome to join a 50 year tradition of community service. By working together to raise funds and operate programs to benefit those in need, members develop new friendships and discover hidden talents. Orientation is provided. Those interested in becoming Assistance League members can contact Debbie Coryell, Member Orientation at (503) 526-9300 or alpdxnews4u@aol.com.

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Assistance League Welcomes Shaarie Torah Students’ Help in Make A Difference Day Book Drive. Over 1,900 Books Children's Books Collected.

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/27/2014 -- Marking Make A Difference Day today, members of Assistance League® of Greater Portland gave 1,918 children's books to several community organizations serving youth in the local area. Recipients included Children's Book Bank, Janus Youth Programs, Operation School Bell and Aloha Community Library. Books were collected at schools, recreation centers, a bank and a synagogue. This is the third year in a row that Assistance League has organized a book drive.

Teenage students at Congregation Shaarie Torah collected over 300 books to contribute to the project. Shaarie Torah's Wednesday Night Students brought the books to Assistance League earlier in the week during their weekly lesson. "Everything we have doesn't really belong to us," Rabbi Joshua Rose advised the students. "We are just caretakers trying to do the right thing." "When you see something that needs to be done, someone who needs help, you should be the one to do that," added Shaarie Torah's Education Director Dorice Horenstein who led the synagogue's book collection. Student Aliyah Blattner agreed wholeheartedly, "You should feel passionate about giving back to the community."

Assistance League member volunteers sorted and packed the books Saturday morning and delivered them in the afternoon. Megan Chambers, on staff at Children's Book Bank in Portland pointed out that there is a great discrepancy in the number of books available to children living in poverty. Some neighborhoods have 300 children with 4,500 books available to them and other neighborhoods have 300 children with only one book available. "These kids get just about as excited about getting books as anything else. A book is something exciting, a gift," Chambers shared.

The book drive is an initiative of Assistance League chapters across the nation. Nationally, in 2012, Assistance League was one of 10 Honorees of the USA WEEKEND Make A Difference Day promotion for the book drives, and in 2013, the organization won the All-Star Award for the book drives, with 103,036 books collected nationally.

About Assistance League
Assistance League® of Greater Portland has served the local community with philanthropic programs since 1965. The organization is celebrating 50 years of community service. Local programs provide new clothing for school children in need, emergency clothing and hygiene kits for victims of assault, life story books for foster children and enrichment activities for troubled youth in a residential treatment facility. Programs are funded through special events, donations, grants and the all volunteer staffed Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton, OR.

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Children's Book Drive to Benefit Local Organizations in Portland, Beaverton and Aloha

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/08/2014 -- Access to books is critical to children as they learn to read. Local nonprofit organization Assistance League® of Greater Portland (http://www.portland.assistanceleague.org) is collecting new and gently used books for children up to age 10. The public is invited to participate in the Make A Difference Day Book Drive by bringing children's books to any of the following locations.

Drop off new and gently used books at these locations:

A Child's Way Kindergarten Preschool
Assistance League Consignment & Thrift Shops
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Else Stuhr Center
Garden Home Recreation Center
St. John Fisher School
US Bank Beaverton Branch

Last year, member volunteers, in conjunction with local businesses and community groups, collected 2,700 books in the Beaverton area. The book drive is an initiative of Assistance League chapters across the nation. Nationally, in 2012, Assistance League was one of 10 Honorees of the USA WEEKEND Make A Difference Day promotion for the book drives, and in 2013, the organization won the All-Star Award for the book drives, with 103,036 books collected nationally. Make A Difference Day 2014 is Saturday, October 25th.

Recipients of Assistance League's book drive will include the Aloha Community Library, Children's Book Bank in Portland, Cordero House, a Janus Youth program and the Operation School Bell®, which is run by Assistance League. Spanish language books and books that reflect the diverse population in the community are especially needed.

About Assistance League of Greater Portland
Assistance League of Greater Portland has served the local community with philanthropic programs since 1965. The organization is celebrating 50 years of community service. Local programs provide new clothing for school children in need, emergency clothing and hygiene kits for victims of assault, life story books for foster children and enrichment activities for troubled youth in a residential treatment facility. Programs are funded through special events, donations, grants and the all volunteer staffed Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton, OR.

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Jason's Epic Adventure follows a course normally run by teams for Oregon Epic Relay. Charity run benefits Assistance League of Greater Portland's Operation School Bell Program.

Beaverton, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/17/2014 -- Assistance League® of Greater Portland (http://www.portland.assistanceleague.org) announced that Jason Zacher plans to run solo the Epic Oregon Relay (http://epicrelays.com/oregon-relay/) to help local school children by raising money for the Assistance League's Operation School Bell®. program.
(http://www.portland.assistanceleague.org/ps.morephilanthropicprograms.cfm?ID=3121) With a course of nearly 200 miles, teams of 12 racers customarily run the Epic Oregon Relay. Zacher plans to run the entire course by himself. "Jason's Epic Adventure" kicks off a day in advance of the relay, at 2 pm on Thursday, June 19th at Big Al's Fun Center in Beaverton, Ore. He hopes to raise $7500 to clothe 100 students.

During the Epic Oregon Relay, each runner typically runs 3 legs over a 24-hour span, for a total of 11 to 21 miles per person. Zacher hopes to complete his ultramarathon run when the relay runners arrive at the finish line to celebrate at Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Ore. on the afternoon of June 21st."I hope to finish in less than 48 hours but I really have no idea how long it will take," muses Zacher. At 187 miles, the run is 87 miles longer than his previous charity run. Jason will be the first runner to attempt the Epic Oregon Relay as a solo marathon.

Funds raised in Jason's Epic Adventure will benefit Operation School Bell, which provides new clothing for children in low-income families in Beaverton and Hillsboro, enabling them to attend school, dressed and ready to learn. Operation School Bell is administered by the member volunteers of Assistance League® of Greater Portland. Of the students that qualify for free and reduced price lunches, those most in need are referred by school counselors to the Assistance League. The elementary school children visit the Operation School Bell's clothing distribution centers to select two pairs of jeans, two shirts, socks, underwear and a winter jacket. They are also given a voucher for shoes and an age appropriate book. "I was touched after visiting their facilities and seeing where the kids get to pick out their clothes and knew right then I wanted to help out as much as I could," pens Zacher on his website.

To read more about Jason's Epic Adventure or make a donation, go to http://www.jasonsepicadventure.com.

About Assistance League of Greater Portland
Assistance League of Greater Portland has served the local community with philanthropic programs since 1965. Over 11,600 students in Beaverton and Hillsboro have received clothing in the local Operation School Bell program since its inception in 1998.Throughout the coming year, Assistance League of Greater Portland will be celebrating 50 years of philanthropic service in the local community. In addition to donations and grants, the programs are funded through the all volunteer staffed Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th in Beaverton, Ore.

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