E ach year, the Assisteens — local middle and high school students in grades 7 through 12 — contribute more than 2,000 service hours through the Assistance League of Huntington Beach’s philanthropic programs.
Their volunteer hours include working in the Assistance League Thrift Shop, helping at chapter events, assisting with an annual holiday party for families in Project Self-Sufficiency, and supporting the Golden West College Emancipated Foster Youth Program.
This year, the Assisteens raised more than $900 through a See’s Candy holiday fundraiser. They chose to donate the funds to the Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, which offers counseling and safe housing for youth ages 11 to 17 in crisis.
Pam Solarzano, committee chair, said the shelter was a natural choice for support. According to Waymakers Youth Director Gail Muñoz-Salina, the shelter’s most urgent need was to restock its kitchen with pots, pans, utensils, towels, potholders and cleaning supplies.
With the funds raised, the Assisteens Auxiliary provided new, high-quality cookware and other essential kitchen items — each individually gift-wrapped by the teens.
As a personal touch, each Assisteen created a recipe card featuring their favorite dish. The cards were gathered and placed in a recipe box for the shelter’s kitchen. A portion of the donation also funded two laser tag games for the teens at the shelter.
The Assistance League hosted Muñoz-Salina at its May meeting, where she was presented with the kitchen items and games. She also shared the history and mission of the Waymakers Youth Shelter, which serves at-risk youth throughout the region.
The Assisteens meet monthly at the Assistance League of Huntington Beach Chapter House from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. For more information or to get involved, email assisteens@assistanceleaguehb.com.