Riverside nonprofit sees peak demand for student services as families prepare for new school year, with thrift shop profits funding comprehensive programs for referred children.
Assistance League Sees Back-to-School Demand Surge for Student Services
Riverside nonprofit sees peak demand for student services as families prepare for new school year, with thrift shop profits funding comprehensive programs for referred children.
The Assistance League of Riverside is entering its busiest season as families prepare for the new school year, with demand for student support services peaking among referred children across the region.
The all-volunteer nonprofit, operating since 1966, funds its programs entirely through profits from its Sunnyside Drive thrift shop. Volunteers handle every step, from cleaning and pricing donations to managing displays, allowing 100% of proceeds to directly support services.
“Our back-to-school period is when we see the greatest need,” said Emma Miller, vice president of public relations. “Families are struggling with the costs of getting children ready for school, and that’s when our programs become most critical.”
Programs include "Hearts and Hands", which provides clothing and essentials, financial literacy education for families, and youth-focused initiatives such as "Operation School Bell". "The Snack Attack" program has also rebounded since COVID-19, now serving 14 schools and a community preschool center with more than 900 bags of food each week. These are just a few of the services offered, and referrals typically rise in late summer as teachers and counselors identify students in need.
Shelves are stocked with food and supplies for Snack Attack, which delivers healthy snacks each Friday to local schools for children who are homeless or from low-income families. (Ken Crawford)
The thrift shop at 3707 Sunnyside Drive is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted Monday and Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings. The shop accepts clothing, housewares, jewelry, toys and seasonal items.
Miller credits the nonprofit’s impact to its focused mission and volunteer-driven model. The organization has maintained its 501(c)(3) status and holds a Platinum Transparency certification from Candid.
“We are able to respond quickly because we do not have administrative overhead,” Miller said. “When a school refers a child, our volunteers can act immediately.”
The Riverside chapter is one of nearly 100 in the National Assistance League. It will celebrate 60 years of service in 2026 with special events.
More information: Visit AssistanceLeague.org, email info@alriverside.org or call (951) 682-3445 to learn about services, volunteering or donations. Families needing support can also ask school personnel about referral processes.
