News & Events
CAP Prepares for 2026 – 2027
The Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP), an auxiliary of Action League of the Foothills (ALF), has elected a new Governing Body to guide the organization’s philanthropic and volunteer activities for the coming year.
Founded in 1990, CAP was created to provide an opportunity for working professionals in La Cañada Flintridge and surrounding foothill communities to engage in meaningful volunteer service outside of traditional business hours. Since its certification in 1991, CAP has supported a variety of community programs benefiting local residents, patients, students, and families in need.
Among its signature initiatives are Cappy Bears, which provides comfort bears to children and seniors experiencing trauma; CAP Care PACs, which supply essential clothing and toiletries to hospital patients and shelter residents; scholarships for local students pursuing vocational and community college education; and ongoing support for Elizabeth House in Pasadena. CAP members also respond to emerging community needs through special service projects and donations.
CAP members meet monthly in the evening and contribute volunteer hours through the Bargain Box Thrift Shop, with proceeds helping to fund the organization’s philanthropic programs. The newly elected Governing Body will continue CAP’s longstanding tradition of service while expanding opportunities for professionals to make a positive impact in the community.
CAP welcomes new members throughout the year and encourages professionals interested in community service to learn more about joining the organization. For more information, please visit https://alfoothills.org/ or call 818-790-1328.
The newly elected Governing Body of the Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP), an auxiliary of Action League of the Foothills.
– Front row, from left: Scarlette Chapman, Erika Weiler, and Gay Hill
– Back row, from left: Joan Oppenheimer, Margaret Poznick (Co-Chair), Ano Fekete (Co-Chair), Eva Spurlock Chersi, and Diane Balisy
– Not pictured: Bessie Kouvara Roberts
What’s Happening at the Bargain Box!
Welcome Shoppers!
Thank you for visiting the Bargain Box Thrift Shop. This winter, we are open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays Be sure to review our hours of operation, holiday dates, and guidelines for donations. The store is staffed entirely by members who are volunteers.
We regularly have themed special sales and events like this one held before Valentine’s Day.
The store is open year-round and provides a continuing source of income for Action League of the Foothill’s philanthropic programs. Proceeds from the sale of donated gently used clothing and household items directly support programs in the foothill community.
The Bargain Box invites you to check out the Holiday Hutch! This area tucked in the back of the store is regularly stocked with holiday decor and specialty items that will pop-up throughout the year, not just during the time that you would expect. Of course, we will continue to hold our regular special sales and themed events.
ALF Has a New Name!
NEWS RELEASE – July 10, 2025
ALF is now “Action League of the Foothills”
After 71 years of membership in National Assistance League, the local Flintridge chapter has chosen to disaffiliate and to continue their mission of “Charity, Compassion, Community” under a new name. ALF’s new title, “Action League of the Foothills,” embraces the group’s expanded territory as volunteer members continue to provide a wide range of programs including ALF Summer School, ALF Music instrument rentals, ALF Books & Beyond (formerly Operation School Bell ®, providing school supplies and clothing to over 1,000 students in local areas), ALF Drama, and ALF in Action (supplies for organizations with specific short-term needs). ALF Teens (formerly Assisteens ®) for grades 8-12 and CAP (Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals) support additional outreach projects.
“Being our own organization allows us to better meet the changing needs of the community and focus our efforts and funds on improving lives in the local area,” said President Donna Shepherd. “It’s still the same great organization.” Check out our new logo and signage at ALF’s Bargain Box Thrift Shop on Oakwood Avenue. The group’s web address has been changed to ALFoothills.org. The phone number is the same: 818-790-1328. New members are always welcome.
ALF Summer School Brings Summer Fun!
The ALF Summer School program has been administered by volunteer members for over 45 years, with classes always taught at one of the La Cañada schools. For 2026, the program is being held at Palm Crest Elementary. Students in the local community who signed up have the opportunity to explore subjects that are challenging, enjoyable and creative, all for “the joy of learning” and without any homework.
This summer, students in Kindergarten through 6th grade were able to choose from a wide range of interesting topics, including “Awesome Animals,” “Let’s Go Global,” “Camp ALF,” and “Bring on the Beat,” as well as a variety of other fun and academic subjects. Classes were held Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon for 4 weeks from June 15 to July 10, 2026. Classes have wrapped up for the season and we had a delightful summer. Click “More About” for classes offered, scheduling, cost, and much more.
STEAM into Summer
Kinder Kids
ALFie Company’s Performance of Disney’s “Moana JR.”
A cast of eighteen young actors in grades five through eight brought a Polynesian myth to life on the Lanterman stage on March 13, with the Action League of the Foothills production of Disney’s “Moana JR”, the story of an island princess on a quest to save her village. Sailing through the rough seas, Moana encounters the legendary demigod, Maui, on her search to return a mysterious relic to the goddess Te Fiti. The story is accompanied by engaging songs written by a trio of composers, including Lin-Manuel Miranda. A surprise highlight of the evening was the appearance of John Musker, the co-writer and co-director of the original 2016 animated Disney film “Moana”. To the delight of the cast and audience, John shared some of the history of the film’s conception and congratulated the young actors on their presentation of “Moana” ten years later.
The musical was directed by Tristan Waldron, supported by Assistant Director, Caroline Dragos, and Music Director, Nancy Abbott. Productions such as this offer the children in our community an opportunity to experience the many joys of the theater. ALF Drama is a long-time philanthropy of the Action League of the Foothills, providing two programs during the school year. The next session this fall will be for the ALFie Players performance of Disney’s “101 Dalmatians KIDS.” Online registration opened on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 12:00 Noon and is now full with a waitlist. For more information, click “More About” or contact ALF at Drama@ALFoothills.org or (818) 790-2211.
ALF Teens Make a Difference
ALF Teens provides volunteer opportunities for young people in grades 8 through 12. Originally named Assisteens®, the ALF Teens program was established in 1967 and since then, the local communities have greatly benefited from the philanthropic endeavors of the student-governed group. The goals are to uplift youth, to engage in community service, and to develop a sense of personal responsibility, self-reliance, public speaking, and leadership skills.
Dog Treats for PAWS
The group meets one day a month during the school year to work on projects with opportunities on other days as they come up. ALF Teens also staff the Bargain Box Thrift Shop on Saturdays. Meetings are held at Action League of the Foothills. Students from La Cañada Flintridge and the nearby foothill communities are welcome to sign up.
Registration for the 2026-2027 season of ALF Teens will remain open until the program is full. Monthly meetings will begin in August. For more information, click “More About” or contact us at ALFTeens@ALFoothills.org or 818-790-2211.
Christmas Sale
Halloween Sale
ALF Teens Governing Body 2025-2026
Cub Scouts Step Up for ALF
Action League of the Foothills welcomed Cub Scout Bear Den 5 to their community room so the third-graders could learn about the non-profit organization for their “Paws in Action” citizenship activity. After an overview of ALF’s philanthropies and an eye-opening tour of the Bargain Box Thrift Shop, the boys pitched in to assemble 120 hygiene kits to be distributed to students in need as part of ALF’s Books & Beyond program, formerly known as Operation School Bell®. The scouts are part of Pack 512 at La Cañada Presbyterian Church.
40 Years of ALF Instrumental Music
Since 1985, Action League of the Foothills has administered an Instrumental Music program for students in grades 4 through 6 at the three LCUSD elementary schools. For the 2026-2027 school year, ALF will once again provide instrument rentals for students in the Encore instrumental music program. Online registration for instrument rentals will open on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 12:00 Noon with Rental Day scheduled for Wednesday, August 26 from 3:15-5:30 PM at Lanterman Auditorium. Students who have prepaid for a rental will pick up their instruments on that day. Classes will begin in September and sectionals will be held later in the year prior to the Winter and Spring Concerts. Click “More about” to go to the Music home page and learn more or contact us at Music@ALFoothills.org or 818-790-2211 with any questions you may have.
Mary Ellen Hillgren Scholarships
The Mary Ellen Hillgren Memorial Scholarship, administered by Action League of the Foothills, was established in 1995 in memory of and tribute to a prominent and dedicated member of the La Cañada Flintridge community. Mrs. Hillgren believed in the public education system and she wished to encourage the accomplishments of students whenever possible. Every year, ALF awards the Hillgren Scholarships to La Cañada High School seniors who will be attending a four-year college or university in the fall. A committee of members reviews the applications and selects the recipients, based on academic achievement, character, extra-curricular activities, and community service. The names of the recipients are engraved on a perpetual plaque that is displayed in the trophy case at the high school.
Mary Ellen Hillgren Scholarship applications for 2026 are now closed and recipients have been awarded their scholarships. Next year’s Scholarship applications will be available in spring of 2027. Click “More About Scholarships” to learn more or contact us at Info@ALFoothills.org or 818-790-1328.
CAP Scholarships
Since 2001, the Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals has offered scholarships to further the education of students within La Cañada Flintridge and adjacent communities. Applicants for CAP Scholarships must attend a school in or around La Cañada Flintridge and plan to attend a two-year college or an accredited occupational program. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of merit with consideration given to career goals, achievements, community service and/or school involvement, and character.
Thank you to those who participated this year and to the award recipients who have received their CAP scholarships. Look for 2027 Scholarship applications next spring. Click “More About Scholarships” to learn more or contact us at Info@ALFoothills.org or 818-790-1328.
Bargain Box at the Lanterman House
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Bargain Box Thrift Shop joined the Lanterman Docent Council, other nonprofit organizations, and local artisans for the annual “Summer Picnic & Ukulele Rendezvous.” ALF volunteers staffed a vintage table and spent the afternoon engaged with community members on the beautiful grounds. Proceeds from the sale of vintage merchandise directly benefited ALF community programs.
ALF Celebrates Fiesta Days
On Monday, May 25, 2026, ALF was happy to participate in the annual Fiesta Days Parade as part of the weekend celebrations and remembrances. A big thank you goes out to all the folks that cheered us on and for the support of the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and our philanthropic programs this year. We truly appreciate being part of the greater foothills community for over 70 years.
Bargain Box Jumps Into Action
As soon as the evacuation order was lifted for La Cañada Flintridge and the power was back on, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened services at the library next door to Action League of the Foothills, for those affected by fires. ALF members followed suit and brought out rolling racks of warm jackets, sweats, and blankets to the Bargain Box parking lot and invited FEMA applicants to shop at no cost to them. This impromptu “pop-up shop” was held over two days. It was so appreciated by visitors that the Bargain Box chairmen and managers decided to do it again the following Monday.
On January 20, the Bargain Box again opened its doors for a “Free Shopping Event” that was publicized more broadly. Volunteer members from ALF, CAP, and ALF Teens showed up to help families with their needs. It was heartwarming to serve our neighbors during this time of great tragedy and to hear their stories. Between the three events, the Bargain Box was able to provide warm clothing and household goods for approximately 100 families.
Donations May Get Put on Hold
The Greater Los Angeles community has proven time and time again that we are resilient and generous. While the Bargain Box is grateful for the outpouring of donations, sometimes we have to put them on hold until we can clear up space. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Thank Your For Your Support
We are proud to be Action League of the Foothills whose focus is “charity, compassion & community.” Through the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and our philanthropic programs, ALF will continue to reach out and help wherever needed.
A Helping Hand to LCUSD Educators
In response to the devastating Eaton Fire that displaced 28 teachers and staff members from the La Cañada Unified School District, the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation (LCFEF) launched a support campaign. The Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals was pleased to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile effort. In February 2025, CAP donated $28,000 to the campaign.
Photo Back, L to R:
LCFEF Directors, Ian Holloway, Danni Remender; CAP Members, Gay Hill, Ano Fekete, Margaret Poznick, Diane Balisy, Pat Anderson; LCFEF Executive Director, Marilyn Yang
Photo Front, L to R:
LCFEF President, Kate Walters; CAP President, Erika Weiler; LCUSD Superintendent, Wendy Sinnette
Consider Joining ALFie Lites!
Did you know? Action League of the Foothills has a “community volunteer” membership category designed for those who want to volunteer but without the responsibilities of full membership. Applications are actively being taken. ALF has been a part of the La Cañada Flintridge community since 1954 and currently has more than 200 members in all membership categories. However, ALF realizes there are many people who would like to volunteer time with ALF but have family or work obligations that prevent them from joining. ALF wants to offer an opportunity to such individuals. This membership category affectionately known as “ALFie Lites,” is designed to include adults who would like to staff the Bargain Box for a limited number of hours each year. ALFie Lite members commit to a minimum of five Bargain Box staffing days a year (each staffing is 3.5 hours,) would need to be fingerprinted, receive a brief orientation and Bargain Box training. There is no further requirement to attend meetings, be on a committee, or pay dues. Anyone interested in joining ALFie Lites or would like information about other types of membership, should call (818)790-1328 or email Info@ALFoothills.org
Members Share at the Phil Faire
During a meeting of the membership, Action League of the Foothills members had the opportunity to learn more about philanthropic programs at the “Phil Faire.” Each of the chairmen representing ALF Drama, ALF Music, ALF Summer School, ALF Books & Beyond, ALF in Action, and ALF Teens with their committees reached out to attendees and demonstrated what they do in their positions during the year. Members were able to sign-up right away for the jobs that appealed to them in addition to volunteering for shifts in the Bargain Box Thrift Shop.
