Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP)
Many professionals in La Cañada Flintridge want to be involved in philanthropic activities that address local needs but are constrained by the demands of their careers. In 1990, members of Assistance League® of Flintridge started Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP) to accommodate volunteers who were not available to donate their time during the regular workday.
CAP members hold their monthly meetings on a Wednesday evening and schedule their volunteer activities outside of regular workday hours. They work at the Bargain Box Thrift Shop on Saturdays and price all of the toys that are donated. In addition, they lend their time and talents to the auxiliary's special programs, which include:
Cappy Bears
This program was created in 1991 to provide immediate and temporary emotional comfort to children and senior citizens who have suffered psychotrauma. CAP members distribute certified-safe stuffed toy bears to Verdugo Hills Hospital and local fire stations. The "Cappy" bears then are given to children or older adults who have suffered psychological trauma from events such as an accident, home disturbance or illness.
Sprouts
This program, started in 1992, funds salaries for teachers and aides for a pre-school and kindergarten enrichment program for children with an identified need for special education. A La Cañada Unified School District pre-school evaluation team identifies children between the ages of three and five with special needs and recommends them for the Sprouts program, which is two days a week for one hour after school. CAP members volunteer in the classroom and hire certified teachers to administer the program. All students attending pre-schools within the La Cañada Unified School District are evaluated.
CAP Care Packs
This CAP program supports patients at Verdugo Hills Hospital as well as the homeless clients of Pasadena's Union Station Foundation. Sometimes when people enter a hospital or arrive at a shelter, their clothing is damaged or worn beyond use. CAP members assemble and donate Care Pacs, which contain new clothing and essential toiletries for patients upon leaving the hospital or during their stay at at shelter.
CAP Scholarship
Initiated in the spring of 2001, CAP sponsors scholarships for high school graduates, who reside in La Cañada Flintridge. Students are considered who have a defined occupational goal to attend a two-year college or occupational program in pursuit of that goal. The intent of this scholarship is to fill a financial need in this community for the student who does not plan to initially attend a four-year university. The scholarship may be renewed for one additional year.
Download Forms Below to Apply:
CAP Retired Service Volunteers (RSV's)
The RSV program gives senior citizens a weekly opportunity to get out and socialize with friends while providing a very useful service and support for nonprofit groups. CAP volunteers also are on hand the last Friday of each month to help with the work and to provide a lunch for the RSVs when the work is done. Members also bake one large cake monthly to honor those RSV's who are celebrating a birthday during that month.
In addition, CAP provides its senior volunteers with a special "thank you" holiday party in early December at a local restaurant.
For more information about CAP or their philanthropic programs, e-mail alflintridge@alflintridge.org.
