For Life After 50

The Assistance League of Colorado Springs hosted its Operation School Bell kick-off and open house on Aug. 24.

As the organization approaches its 50th year of service to the Pikes Peak community, it would like everyone to know about the benefits our organization has provided to local individuals.

Assistance League of Colorado Springs, founded in 1970, is a nonprofit, all-volunteer, philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the well-being of the children and families of El Paso County.

In the past fiscal year ending May 31, 2018, 147 dedicated members volunteered 22,482 hours of service valued at more than $555,000. The Assistance League allocated $209,000 (73 percent of total expenses) to return to the Pikes Peak community. The organization also touched the lives of more than 5,970 people in El Paso County through our six philanthropic programs:

• Operation School Bell provided clothes for 2,524 disadvantaged school children.
• Assault Survivor Kits supplied emergency clothing to 1,475 survivors of assault.
• Operation Can You Hear Me? screened 902 preschoolers for early hearing loss.
• Buddy Bear provided 941 teddy bears to individuals in traumatic situations.
• Halloween Wishes gifted 129 indigent children with costumes.
• Sweet Dreams gave new beds to 13 teens leaving foster care or homelessness.
• Helping Neighbors, a new program, gives thrift store clothing vouchers to homeless individuals leaving the hospital.

Funding for Assistance League of Colorado Springs programs comes from retail sales at our Bargain Box Thrift Store (405 S. Nevada Ave.) and other fundraising activities along with many charitable gifts and grants. All donations are greatly appreciated!

The organization also welcomes additional volunteers. For more information, visit www.assistanceleague.org/colorado-springs.