"In 1927 a group of twelve women who were members of the Woman’s Club of Santa Monica started meeting to sew and review books. In 1930 they decided to call themselves “The Assistance Guild of Santa Monica.” The membership of 25 made layettes that were distributed to families in need.
Money was raised from a series of garden parties, teas, raffles and dances. For several years, one of the most profitable ventures was to present a play with members taking part.This group was so vital and energetic that a founding member became intrigued with becoming part of National Assistance League, a charitable organization in Hollywood begun in 1919.
In October 1936, after many meetings with Mrs. Hancock Banning, Founder and President, the Assistance Guild filed its petition for membership.During its probationary period, an old house in Santa Monica was rented. A Girls Club project was adopted, with guild members providing afternoon and Saturday care for daughters of working mothers. They opened a gift shop to help finance the project."
Two other Assistance League cookbooks, from the Hollywood chapter, are also part of this Archive.
The Assistance League of Santa Monica is still opperational. You can learn more about it here.
