History:

Assistance League was the first nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization founded in the West to recognize the potential of volunteers in helping those less fortunate.

Founder Mrs. Hancock (Anne) Banning, was born Anne Ophelia Smith in 1870 in Los Angeles to parents Susan Glassell Patton Smith and attorney George Hugh Smith. Anne married Hancock Banning, son of Los Angeles pioneer Phineas Banning. In 1894, the most prominent society women in the city had formed a new charitable organization named the Assistance League. Anne Banning, then a young wife and mother, was a member of the small group who did local charitable work in an informal way. In April 1906, the Assistance League ladies responded to San Francisco earthquake and fire by organizing a relief unit. The next year, the newspaper reported the ladies “wished to be a permanent organization and be of assistance to everyone who needs it.” They continued raising money through balls and theatrical evenings. As America entered the war in Europe, Anne Banning organized the Los Angeles Red Cross unit in 1917 and served as Director. Their fundraising project was the Red Cross Shop which became the model for shops across the country using Anne Banning’s printed guidelines.

In 1919, Anne Banning and a group of twelve friends, including Ada Edwards Laughlin, formed ASSISTANCE LEAGUE to provide food and clothing for local families severely impacted by World War I. ALSC's first community service, "Good Samaritan," evolved into today's Family Service Agency. In 1920, Mrs. Banning borrowed $15,000 from local bankers to purchase a frame house at 5604 DeLongpre in Hollywood, where the Learning Center for Young Children stands today. This building was the League's headquarters until 1964, when it moved into the Anne Banning Community House, designed by noted architect Paul R. Williams. In 1923, ALSC was granted non-profit charitable corporation status by the State of California.

From 1925 to 1953, the League conducted its most successful fund­raising promotion--the Film Location Bureau. ALSC members located and supervised movie sites for film producers who, in turn, paid the League for the service. In addition , auxiliaries began to form in the late 1930s as an offshoot of the governing committee structure for each service.

ALSC 's revenue centers contributed to the success of our community services. The Thrift Shop opened in 1923 and was modeled after those that Mrs. Banning had established and run for the Red Cross during World War I. It became a place where the disabled were employed to repair and refinish furniture, mend shoes and clothing or other items for resale. ALSC does not currently have a Thrift Shop. The present day Gift Shop evolved from the "Women's Exchange," where women could sell their handmade finery to help support their families. The Women's Exchange later expanded to include a trousseau shop, the Treasure Chest and an art gallery. The "Attic Tearoom of Hollywood" was begun in 1923, in the attic of the League's headquarters. Some rising stars like Anne Miller, Shirley Temple, Norma Shearer and Mary Pickford, served as volunteer waitresses at the tearoom. In the 1930’s, many Hollywood actors, directors and producers lunched at the Tearoom. Some of our famous visitors’ photographs are on display in The Fountain Court Restaurant.

ALSC continues to fulfill Anne Banning’s philosophy of volunteer service: "To act as a friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care, guidance and assistance, spiritually, materially and physically."