ALF Teens 2024-2025

Action League of the Foothills provides volunteer opportunities for young people in grades 7 through 12.  The ALF Teens auxiliary was established in 1967 and since then, the program has grown to 50 members.  The goals for students are to develop a sense of personal responsibility, self-reliance, public speaking, leadership skills, and to learn the importance of contributing their time to the community.  The group meets one day a month during the school year with opportunities on other days as they come up.  ALF Teens also staff the Bargain Box Thrift Shop on the second Saturday of the month from September to May.

Bargain Box Sales Support These ALF Teens Philanthropic Programs

Donation Bags – ALF Teens purchase items and then assemble donation bags for individuals and families in need.  The donated items include toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, tissue, pens, pencils, paper, granola bars, etc.  Donations may also include fun things for children such as stickers, bubbles, bookmarks, gummy bears, and more.

Comfort Blankets – Soft fleece fabrics are purchased with ALF Teens funds and then crafted to create blankets for families who need them.  Members break into groups at their monthly meetings to assemble these blankets.

Special Projects – ALF Teens are encouraged to look toward their community and be inspired about how they can make a difference.  In 2017-2018, ALF Teens held a Read-a-thon at the La Cañada Flintridge library. They read books to children, made Valentine-themed crafts and provided refreshments.  For 2018 – 2020, ALF Teens identified a need at the Pasadena Humane Society.  Individuals visited the shelter and volunteered their time, helping out with the animals who were waiting to be adopted into their forever homes.  In 2020, ALF Teens voted to support the Amerman Family Foundation dog therapy program at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.  ALF Teens purchased 137 embroidered, lightweight jackets that were delivered to the hospital for volunteers to wear during their therapy sessions.  In 2022-2023, ALF Teens donated $3,000 toward ALF’s literacy program, buying new books for the library at a LAUSD school.  For 2024-2025, ALF Teens volunteered to help with a holiday party at Elizabeth House, an organization that provides services to parents and children.  ALF Teens also provided urgently-needed assistance at the Bargain Box Thrift Shop “Free Shopping Event” held for families affected by the Eaton fire.  Over 100 families were accommodated.  Finally, ALF Teens contributed to Journey House in Pasadena, a facility that serves emancipated foster youth and adults.  They provided scholarships to older foster students.

Bargain Box Thrift Shop – ALF Teens sign up to staff the Bargain Box on the second Saturdays from September through May.  Funds are used to support their philanthropic programs.  ALF Teens enjoy working with ALF members and the public in the Bargain Box, while gaining valuable retail experience.  ALF Teens will often help out with special Bargain Box projects during their monthly meetings such as sorting merchandise or preparing store materials.

Other ALF Projects – Every ALF program has benefitted from the efficient teamwork of the “A-Teens.”  From assembling hygiene kits or school supplies for ALF Books & Beyond students, to sorting materials for ALF in Action prior to distribution to organizations that serve the community, or placing labels on postcard mailers for Summer School, ALF depends on ALF Teens to step up when projects come up.  ALF Teens are always happy to help out where needed.