The Glendale Assisteens girls hosted a pajama party for the pediatric cancer patients at City of Hope in Duarte. The party was on Dec. 8, and the girls helped set up, serve families, play with the kids and ensured that everything ran as smoothly for the families and the hospital.

The Assisteens is a philanthropic youth group started in 1958. The current group consists of 51 teens, seventh through 12th grades. They range in age from 12 to 18. Each Assisteen volunteers 40 service hours per year to a philanthropic program. They fund their philanthropic programs and assist the chapter. They help in the following programs:

For Operation School Bell, Assisteens supply books, underwear and socks for children in this program.

For the Senior Neighborhood Fellowship, Assisteens prepare favors for monthly Assistance League of Glendale luncheons for senior citizens.

For the Friends of the Desi Geestman Foundation City of Hope, Assisteens decorate the pediatric ward for Halloween, Christmas and

springtime, assemble gifts and assist with holiday parties for patients and their families.

For the Adopt-a-Family program, the Assisteens provide needy families in Glendale with clothing, toys, school supplies, and grocery scrip for the holidays.

For Toys for Tots, Assisteens contribute toys annually to the Toys for Tots Program.

For the Spiritual Care Guild of Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, Assisteens bake cookies for the staff.

Ascencia is a homeless shelter for families in Glendale. The Assisteens participate monthly in the guest chef program by planning, purchasing and

cooking a meal for the families at the shelter.

Windsor Manor is a retirement home in Glendale. Assisteens visit monthly to play games and provide prizes for the residents who win. Assisteens also visit the nursing wing and give residents plush Teddy Bears.

For the YWCA Summer Camp, Assisteens help the counseling staff.

Assisteens’ philanthropic programs are supported by contributions and two major fundraising efforts: Thrift Alley where funds are earned by the teens from staffing the thrift shop each Saturday with their mothers or guardians. The second is the Annual Spring Gala and Presentation Luncheon when Assisteens and Assisteen Associates arrange a luncheon, senior recognition, and presentation of all Assisteens. This event also includes a silent auction.

Provided by
Danette ERICKSON