Assistance League of North Coast is dedicated to serving the needs, primarily of children, in the communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, with the goal of providing a positive starting point for academic success.
The Assistance League© of North Coast is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) that serves children in Oceanside, Vista, and Carlsbad. As one of 90 chapters of the National Assistance League, we are part of a philanthropy that was founded in 1919 to support neighbors serving neighbors. Our motto is “Transforming Lives. Strengthening Community.”
ALNC has 13 programs under the Operation School Bell® umbrella. One of the most transformative programs is Footsteps, where children and their parents come to a “shoe store” on Saturdays to try on and choose a new pair of shoes. Each year more than 9,000 children receive shoes, socks, and a HealthKit. The children leave with a pair of shoes that they picked, with big smiles on their faces!
Every August, five Assistance League chapters join together to provide school clothes to 500 children of active-duty military serving on Camp Pendleton. We also collect new toys and gift cards to be handed out at military family holiday parties.
One of the favorite events for our volunteers is helping children choose clothes during a shopping trip to JC Penney’s. Each child has a budget and selects clothes that fit their personal style. JC Penney’s has been a supportive partner, providing discounts and staff to assist at events.
Last year, we awarded $14,000 in grants to teachers and $76,000 in scholarships to seniors.
All services are funded by a Thrift Shop, grants, and donations. Every dollar raised here stays here. One hundred and fifty volunteers staff the Shop and manage the programs, but we are always looking for energetic people who are committed to making our community a better place for families. Visit our website at Alnc.org and our Facebook posts under “Assistance League of North Coast.”
Photos courtesy of Assistance League of North Coast