Assistance League Coachella Valley transforms lives by bonding with community

Members of the Assistance League Coachella Valley enthusiastically gathered Dec. 9 at the Del Webb Rancho Mirage clubhouse to assemble holiday gift bags for seniors residing in local assisted living facilities.

In record time, they packed more than 200 bags that included footwear and cards written by the volunteers. Carolyn Singer, recording secretary and senior services chairperson for the organization, said, “the elderly represent some of the neediest individuals here in the valley. I have visited the facilities multiple times and seen how excited the residents are to connect with new people and share their experiences. I would encourage anyone in the community to reach out and experience the wonder of these patients … and their caregivers, too.”

The Assistance League Coachella Valley works with four local senior facilities, providing residents with companionship and smiles. “I love what Assistance League Coachella Valley does, because it shows a sense of social responsibility and how to truly give to the community," said Alejandra Franco, activities director for Premier Care Center, Palm Springs. "Even during these difficult times, our patients were never forgotten."

Since 1973, Assistance League Coachella Valley has been dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening the community through their programs. ALCV is a chapter of the national Assistance League, which has more than 2,300 members organized into 120 chapters throughout the country. The combined Assistance League chapters serve more than 1.5 million people annually and pour millions of dollars in raised and donated funds back into their respective communities.

Through their signature program, Operation School Bell, Assistance League Coachella Valley provides new clothes and school supplies to elementary schoolchildren throughout the area. Socks, shoes, undergarments, shirts and hygiene kits are included.

Karen Goodyear, president of Assistance League Coachella Valley, said: “The needs of our community continue to grow, particularly among young children. In 2021, we provided more than 1,000 children within our three school districts with bags. And this January, we will be increasing our participation to impact 1,200 kids.”

Another important program for Assistance League Coachella Valley is the annual “We Care: Focus on Military Families” event. First-time expectant mothers who are active duty military women or military spouses stationed at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base are invited to a baby shower and luncheon. Each future mom receives carefully selected gifts to help her prepare for her newborn. Layettes, port-a-cribs and even some beautiful hand-made items have been included.

“The baby shower is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the military families and of offering support for those who may be far away from family and friends during this very exciting yet challenging time,” said Judy Pearson, marketing communications chairperson for Assistance League Coachella Valley. “The pregnant mothers enjoy the attention and are often overwhelmed with emotion when they see all the baby products in the layettes.”

Next year, 25 mothers-to-be from the base will be honored on Wednesday, March 30, at the Heritage Palms Country Club in Indio.

Assistance League Coachella Valley is in the process of planning its annual “Razzle Dazzle” fundraiser. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the La Quinta Country Club, and more than 200 guests are expected to attend. The group is currently seeking donations from businesses for its live and silent auctions. The funds that are generated from “Razzle Dazzle” will be used to continue the organization’s mission of transforming the lives of those in need in Coachella Valley.

For additional information on joining the Assistance League Coachella Valley or to provide a donation, email info@alcoachellavalley.org or call (760) 848-0084. assistanceleague.org/coachella-valley

Sergio Garcia enjoys writing about good people that do great things in Coachella Valley. You can reach him at sergio071364@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Assistance League Coachella Valley transforms lives