VOLUNTEER LEAGUE
of the San Fernando Valley
History
In 1951, eleven young women sought an opportunity to serve the growing San Fernando Valley community. At the time, new civic, cultural, and welfare agencies were being introduced, requiring volunteer help and public support. These eleven young women founded the Volunteer League of the San Fernando Valley, and by continuing to add members who are deeply dedicated to helping their community, the League has grown to its present membership of over 200 women.
The first meeting was held in December 1952 at the McKinley Home for Boys, Van Nuys.
In 1969, the League purchased a home at 14428 Hamlin Street in Van Nuys, which became known as the Volunteer League Centre. This Centre enabled the League to provide greater service to the community and marked the beginning of our growth. However, the expansion of projects and membership caused the League to outgrow the facility. In 1977, the 1921 California bungalow-style Baird House at 14603 Hamlin Street, Van Nuys, became the Volunteer League’s new home.
In October of 1978, the Heritage Board designated the Baird House as Historic-Cultural Monument No. 203. Over the years, the League’s history of service has ranged from mending blue jeans at McKinley Home and Kids on the Block to its present-day Centre Clothes Corner, which serves thousands of members of the San Fernando Valley community. Centre Clothes Corner is the Volunteer League's most significant ongoing project, a testament to the impact of our collective efforts in providing new school clothing essential to underserved and homeless children.
We continue our mission of helping children in need in our community through donations from individuals, companies, foundations, and grants. The Volunteer League does not receive any government or United Way support. The Volunteer League is a tax-exempt
501(c) 3 organization.
