Action League of the Foothills (ALF) - Action League of the Foothills

Action League of the Foothills

Action League of the Foothills has taken great pride in being an all-volunteer organization since 1954. Previously affiliated with a national group, we became independent in 2025 to better meet the changing needs of the greater foothills community, and to focus our efforts by keeping funds locally. ALF remains committed to charity, compassion, and community by providing a wide range of programs designed to enrich lives.

ALF members meet once a month on a Wednesday morning. During the rest of the month, members staff the Bargain Box Thrift Shop. Staffing duties may include receiving donated items, pricing, merchandising products, monitoring the shop floor, and using the cash register to ring up sales. On other days, members actively participate in the chapter’s many philanthropic programs. Proceeds from sales made in the Bargain Box are the sole support for our programs. ALF does not do any other outside fundraising.

ALF members administer and support the following philanthropic programs:

ALF Drama
ALF offers two after-school drama programs each year for students in grades 3-10. ALFie Players traditionally takes place in the fall and ALFie Company is usually held in the winter. ALF members administer the program, working with staff and other volunteers to register students, select plays, hold rehearsals, set-up venues, and support the performance activities.

ALF Music
ALF offers instrument rentals for music students in grades 4-6 at the three La Cañada Unified School District elementary schools. ALF member volunteers administer the program, coordinate rentals, keep instrument inventories, and support rental events.

ALF Summer School
For over 45 years, ALF Summer School has provided enrichment classes for students at one of the La Cañada Unified School District elementary schools. ALF members administer the program, working with the District, ALF staff and other volunteers to register students from the foothills community, organize classes and curriculum, provide supplies, and coordinate the daily activities of approximately 400 students in grades K-6

Scholarships
Every year since 1995, Action League of the Foothills awards Mary Ellen Hillgren scholarships to La Cañada High School seniors who will be attending a four-year college or university in the fall. A committee of ALF members reviews the applications and selects the recipients, based on excellence in academics, character, extra-curricular activities, and community service.

ALF Books & Beyond
Since 2005, Action League of the Foothills in partnership with Assistance League of Pasadena, provides clothing, personal care items, and books to elementary school-age children in the Pasadena Unified School District. Students in need from La Cañada Unified School District are also provided the opportunity to receive school supplies, backpacks, and computers. ALF members administer the program and coordinate the distribution of items to the families.

ALF in Action
The ALF in Action committee participates in philanthropic projects to fill a particular need in the community. Committee members reach out to local organizations, businesses, school district representatives, and members to identify the greatest need and have provided items such as hygiene kits, books, school supplies, computers, baby blankets, diapers, toys, and shoes to underserved youth and families in need.

It takes quite a team to make it all happen. Be assured that your help is both needed and appreciated.

Ready to Volunteer?

New members may choose their level of commitment based on their interests and ability to serve.

Regular ALF Members

After completion of a short orientation and training process, fingerprinting, and payment of membership dues, new members are able to assist in the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and with other philanthropic activities right away. Regular members commit to a specific number of staffing days a year (each staffing is 4 hours in the morning) attend monthly meetings from September to June, and may serve on an ALF committee.

ALFie Lites

ALFie Lites are community volunteers who want to volunteer but who may have family or work obligations that prevent them from joining under full membership. ALFie Lite members commit to a minimum of five Bargain Box staffing days a year (each staffing is 4 hours in the morning), are fingerprinted, receive a brief orientation, and Bargain Box training. There is no further requirement to attend meetings, serve on a committee, or pay dues.

ALF welcomes new members throughout the year and we look forward to having you join us. If you think that being part of Action League of the Foothills might be right for you, let us know! Send us the completed form below, email us at info@alfoothills.org or simply call 818-790-1328. You will be contacted by a member who can answer your questions, provide a tour, and get you started.

Prospective Membership - Contact Information