I began volunteering this past fall at the Assistance League of Seattle Thrift Store, a place I already knew well. Since moving to Wallingford three years ago, to begin my “urban retirement adventure” near my daughter, the store had become one of my favorite neighborhood stops. I still remember the first time I walked through the front door and felt instantly hooked. Instead of the dim church-basement thrift stores I was used to on the East Coast, I found a bright, beautifully curated boutique filled with quality housewares and clothing.
As I settled into my new apartment, the store helped me fill in the pieces I hadn’t brought with me from my 45 years of homeownership. Even more meaningful were the people I met—warm, dedicated members of a service organization I had never heard of before moving here. Their friendliness as they rang up my finds made me curious, so I picked up a brochure to learn more about the Assistance League of Seattle and the mission behind the store.
It took me two and a half years to finally take the leap and volunteer, but once I did, I discovered just how much this organization gives back. The thrift store, along with a holiday luncheon and a handful of grants, funds programs that support students and first‑year teachers across Seattle. The goal is simple and powerful: use every dollar earned to strengthen our community.
There is so much I could share about this remarkable group, but I want to highlight one program in particular—one that invests in the future of community leadership: the Assisteens.
The Assisteens describe themselves this way:
We are an auxiliary of the Assistance League of Seattle. The Assisteens program is designed to help Seattle-area teens learn the essential skills necessary to become community leaders. Members are students in 7th–12th grade and participate in philanthropic work, such as volunteering with various community organizations and supporting the Assistance League of Seattle programs. The Assisteens also fundraise in order to support under-resourced Seattle teens, as identified by family support advocates and high school counselors. The Assisteens program has its own leadership team made up entirely of teens. This Governing Body manages the program: they make decisions about activities to fund, organizations to support, and which fundraising events they will hold.
This is youth leadership in action—teens learning responsibility, service, and collaboration while directly supporting their peers.
How Wallingford Can Support These Teens
The Assisteens are working hard to raise funds for their philanthropic projects, and the Wallingford community can help in two meaningful ways.
- Attend the Old-Fashioned Garage Sale
- When: Saturday, March 7th • 10 am–4 pm
- Where: Assistance League Thrift Store Driveway, 1415 N 45th Street
Come hunt for treasures, meet the teens, and support their efforts. Every purchase helps them fund programs for Seattle students.
Order a flower basket at the Spring Flower Basket Fundraiser
- What: Beautiful 12-inch hanging baskets
- Price: $47 each
- Order here, pay online or by check (no PayPal account required to purchase). Baskets can also be ordered at the March 7th garage sale.
- Pickup: Sunday, May 3rd • 10 am–2 pm, Assistance League Thrift Store, 1415 N 45th Street
- Supports both the Assistance League of Seattle and the Assisteens
These baskets make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts and brighten any porch or patio. Order as soon as you can—50 baskets have been ordered, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
An Invitation to Join Us
I’ll end with one more invitation. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that offers purpose, connection, and the chance to make a real difference, the Assistance League of Seattle would love to welcome you. There are committees and roles for every interest, from working in the thrift store to supporting programs behind the scenes. For me, Monday mornings spent pricing household goods have become a highlight of my week. I’ve met incredible people, learned new skills, and found a community that truly cares.
There is a place for everyone here, and a chance to help make Seattle a better place for all. Email membership for more information.
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