Recently, I spoke with Vivien O’ Connor, an active member of the Santa Monica Assistance League at their Thrift Shop located at 1453 15th St. between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd. We discussed the important work the chapter does in the community.
The chapter began as a women-run, social, sewing club. It has transformed into a philanthropic umbrella reaching many groups. From donating $100,000 in scholarships to Santa Monica College and the high schools in the area, to the emergency clothing fund, school supplies for kids, donations to food banks, and the major recycling efforts they conduct, they are making an effect on many social issues.
This is what initially attracted Vivien. “For me, the League was a perfect combination of meeting like-minded people and giving back,” she states.
The Assistance League wasn’t always recognized for all the potential it held. It wasn’t until they were entrusted with running a local preschool that a change occurred. The League saw this as a segue into something bigger. So, looking past the preschool, they established the appealing and well-stocked Thrift Shop that is flourishing today. The two-story structure, which they built, resembles a classical home. The vibe certainly matches the aesthetics once you step inside. There are racks of stylish clothes, shelves of ornamental glassware and home goods, books, furniture, jewelry, and much more. For them, this was, and still is, a way to generate revenue which, in turn, is fed right back into the community. The Thrift Shop is one of the most popular in Santa Monica. They have also developed an online shopping opportunity for customers.
The Assistance League grows through existing members from the past, their oldest member being 99, and reaching out to younger community members. Vivien explains, “We are open to all kinds of members. People can join on the website, and add themselves to the mailing list to stay up to date.” Through organizational meetings one can attend, and the extensive list of auxiliary organizations (like The Night Lights which is for people who work during the day), they provide an abundant array of options when it comes to getting involved.
We wish more people knew about the Assistance League, Vivien reflected.
And, whether that means joining up (infoALSM@frontier.com /310-395-2338), or simply shopping at the store (or online), it’s the little things that will add up to benefit the neighborhood in the long run.
Vivien reminds us, “In times like these, full of isolation, when everything’s online, I think people really need the sense of community.”
The Thrift Store is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy shopping!
By Cree Kawa
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