“Embrace Orange” is the major annual fundraiser for the Assistance League^® of Orange. Assistance League is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that has served the needs of the Orange community for over 70 years. 100% of the profits from this event will be used to support the philanthropic projects described below.

Dental Health Center - Dental care and education is available to low-income children attending school in Orange. Through the efforts of our volunteers and our dentists, the dental center is open five days a week throughout the school year, closing only in August.  Each year the dental center schedules over 1400 appointments.

Operation School Bell - This program is the national program of National Assistance League^®. Over 1300 children are clothed each year. Every child receives 4 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 6 pairs of socks, 6 pairs of underwear and a sweatshirt. With assistance from our auxiliaries, each child also receives a shoe voucher, school supplies, a grooming and hygiene kit. The children are referred by their local schools within Orange including 8 preschool sites at Orange County Parent and Teachers Together.

HALOS (Helping A Little One Succeed) - Our members tutor and mentor elementary students within Orange. These students have been tested and are identified as reading below grade level.  HALOS has a significant impact with an average reading gain of two years for participants.

Orangewood Children’s Home – Our volunteers host special monthly get-togethers for children who reside at Orangewood. They provide parties, crafts and snacks, including a prom for the teenagers.

Scholarship Awards - Financial assistance is awarded to high school seniors who plan to attend college after graduation. The Eugenia Love Scholarship is given to a student who plans to major in Fine Arts. These scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional scholastic skills, who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a history of community service.

Humor Health and Happiness - Our members provide a program of activities which enrich the lives of assisted-living residents in Orange. These activities include live entertainment programs, parties and personal visits.

Special Assistance - Special Assistance provides limited financial aid to individuals in dire need. We assist with food vouchers, monthly rent, a utility bill, a prescription purchase or some other pressing financial obligation.

The Kids on the Block - This program “stars” nearly child-size puppets! Each program is professionally written and age appropriate focusing on disabled children and peer pressure from drug abuse.  These programs are scheduled by the third and fourth grade teachers. Over 1000 students attend these performances annually.

Links to Learning – Our newest program provides an opportunity to enhance and develop new approaches to learning within the middle school curriculum. Monetary awards are granted to teachers, counselors and media specialists who apply for funds.

Operation Hug – This program provides comfort to children in trauma with the gift of a teddy bear to hug.  Assistance has been provided to victims of fire, floods, domestic violence and abuse in Orange.  Teddy bears are also distributed to pediatric units in Orange hospitals.

Handle with Care  -  Our members assemble and deliver “care packages” for mothers of premature babies and critically ill children at UCI.  Knitted caps and booties are also made for “preemies.”