Our Story

Assistance League® founder, Anne Banning, was a member of a small group of prominent Los Angeles women who did charitable work beginning in the mid-1890’s.

Their first act was responding to the San Francisco Earthquake. They called themselves the Assistance League®.

In 1919, Anne Banning and Alda Laughlin formed Assistance League® of Southern California to provide support for local families severely affected by World War I. The first services were Good Samaritan, Day Nursery, Girls Club and Theater for Children. In 1935, Anne banning and Ada Laughlin organized National Assistance League® to promote the growth of effective volunteerism through leadership training and education.

In 1962, Mrs. Melvin L. (Winifred) Campbell founded a group called the Tustin Hilltoppers
League. In 1965, the Tustin Hilltopers became a chartered as the 35 th Chapter of Assistance
League®.

For 60 plus years, Assistance League® of Tustin’s members have worked to support children and
families in need in the Tustin community through various philanthropic programs.

Assistance League® of Tustin Thrift Store first opened in 1970 and moved to its current location
at 445 El Camino Real in 1990.  Today the thrift store grosses more than $500,000 annually, the
net proceeds of which are invested in the Tustin community.

Examples of the annual programs supported by Assistance League® of Tustin include the
purchase and distribution of new uniforms and school clothes for 1,200 Tustin students,
providing sleeping bags and jackets for students attending TUSD’s Outdoor Education trips,
support for teens and families living in safe shelters located in Tustin and classroom grants
awarded to TUSD teachers. 

Assisteens®, an auxiliary of Assistance League® of Tustin, is a vibrant leadership and volunteer
program for our community’s teenagers.  Tustin Assisteens® volunteer in the Thrift Shop and at
community events, participate in philanthropies and hold leadership positions that run the
program.

Timeline
1919 — The Assistance League of Southern California is founded by Anne Banning and Ada
Laughlin to help families impacted by World War I.
1962 – Tustin Hilltoppers League is founded by Winifred Campbell.
1965 — Tustin Hilltoppers League receive Assistance League charter. The Assistance League of
Tustin becomes the 35 th chapter of National Assistance League.
1967 — The first Assistance League of Tustin headquarters opens at 285 East Main Street.

1970 — Assistance League of Tustin opens a thrift store.
1990 – Headquarters and thrift store moves to 445 El Camino Real in Old Towne Tustin.
2005 — First refurbishment and remodel of the Assistance League of Tustin thrift store.
2015 — 50 th anniversary as a chartered location.
2016 — Second thrift store remodel completed in early 2016.
2018 – Winifred Campbell Auxiliary merges with ALT Chapter.