Assistance League®of Greater Portland

We are one of 120 Assistance League chapters across the nation, each one developing philanthropic programs to meet the needs in the local community.

Assistance League of Greater Portland has been serving the greater Portland area since 1961.

Our local community service programs benefit children and victims of violence. We offer a scholarship for students pursuing a trade school education.

We fund these programs by operating Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops, through grants, special events and donations.

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community service organization. Our all volunteer membership is nonsectarian and nonpolitical. Our tax ID number is 93-6032769.

Annually, Assistance League returns over $38.8 million to local communities, assisting 1.5 million people. The 23,000 member volunteers in 120 chapters who contribute 3.2 million service hours make this possible.

Operation School Bell®, our signature national program, serves over 300,000 children each year. Since 1958, more than 4 million children have been assisted.

Mission Statement

Assistance League of Greater Portland volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.

Vision Statement

Essential needs are met in our community and families flourish.

Core Values

Teamwork, Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Service, Fun

Speakers Bureau

To arrange for a representative to visit your
organization,  contact us
to learn more
about our speakers.

Transforming Lives | Strengthening Community

Board of Directors

Wyn Bowler

Wyn Bowler

President

Wyn is a native of upstate New York. A few years after earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan she arrived in Oregon. After being a student of parliamentary procedure for many years and serving as parliamentarian for an international non-profit educational organization, she decided to let it go – until joining ALGP and serving as chapter parliamentarian.

Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson

President-Elect

Mary graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Communications with emphasis in Public Relations & Advertising.  She is currently a full-time Portland Metro Realtor with extensive experience ranging from assisting sellers that are downsizing to first time home-buyers. Her love for design and marketing has driven her to successful careers in advertising, interior design; and now marketing & selling homes.

Jamie Marucha

Jamie Marucha

VP Resource Development

Jamie has served two chapters with roles in program management, grant writing, fundraising, marketing and as a past President. Jamie built a career in insurance and health care administration with an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and graduate coursework in Public Health. She left the work force to raise children and pursue community volunteer opportunities.
Kim Higgins

Kim Higgins

VP Philanthropic Programs

Kim has a degree in History from the University of Washington and MAT from George Fox University. Her love of travel and photography led her to pursue a career as a Travel Agent. After raising children, she worked for several years as a Middle School Humanities Teacher. Now retired, she is able to take part in the artistic, philanthropic, and social activities.
Sue Eiler

Sue Eiler

VP Retail Sales

Sue is from Southern California. She went back to school at night at age 41 and reached her goal of an MBA in business 14 years later. She was Chief Operations Officer for a urological surgery group before moving to Tigard to be near her grandchildren. She is crazy about her Golden Retriever Remington!
Michele Wiitala

Michele Wiitala

VP Building Management

This passionate Gonzaga University graduate has spent years in the classroom as an educator and has committed the last 25 years as a community volunteer and board member of several nonprofits. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, zumba, her Neskowin beach house, and entertaining. She is transitioning from VP of Philanthropic Programs to all things building.
Pam Quale

Pam Quale

VP Marketing Communications

Pam is originally from Corvallis, OR and attended University of Oregon and Boston University. She has taught elementary, middle school, high school, community college, and The Reading Institute students in Oregon, California, Athens Greece, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Family is important with a 100-year-old mother, and 5 siblings who live in the area. Her volunteer work includes Cross Roads International, Portland Classical Chinese Garden and other non-profits.

Robbie O'Brien

Robbie O'Brien

VP Membership

Robbie graduated from Oregon State University with a Master’s Degree in Education, with a focus on physical education. Her career spanned 30 years, where she taught students at all grade levels including community college. She has served as VP Fundraising and has been extensively involved in the chapter’s major fundraising events, as well as serving as chairperson numerous times. When not volunteering, she spends her time reading, golfing, and working out. Her passion – Assistance League “Paying it forward to the Community”.
Janet Murray

Janet Murray

Treasurer

“Shopping is my vocation.” This quote might explain why Janet was drawn to the Consignment Shop. She loves jewelry and has worked in both shops, including managing the Consignment Shop and a long-time member of the jewelry team. Janet had a busy career in data processing and computer technical support, mainframe computer operations, hardware installation, technical staff training and development, project management, data storage systems and technical support. Janet previously has held the Chapter positions of President (2017 – 2018) and VP Strategic Planning.
Debbie Coryell

Debbie Coryell

VP Strategic Planning

Debbie has a degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. A move to Portland began a 43-year career in advertising, marketing and public relations. Thirty-four years were in the apparel business doing marketing and promotions for Jantzen and Pendleton. Retirement came in 2013 and joining Assistance League gave her the opportunity to “give back” to the community. Debbie has served as VP Membership and as a Thrift Shop Manager.
Faye Hall

Faye Hall

VP Finance

Faye has served the Chapter as President from 2011-2012 and 2019-2020, VP of Strategic Planning, VP of Finance, Major Fundraiser co-chair, and Thrift Shop daily manager. When not volunteering with the Greater Portland chapter, Faye enjoys gardening, cooking, a couple of book groups, an investment club, cross country skiing, and traveling with her husband, family and friends.
Judi McClain

Judi McClain

Secretary

Judi is a local Oregonian returning home after 33 years living and working in Hawaii. She enjoyed teaching youth and adult programs in a museum setting. She especially enjoyed working in Human Resources as a trainer and volunteer director.
Kay Gebhart

Kay Gebhart

Parliamentarian

Kay graduated from OHSU Nursing with BSN & RN in 1961. Her specialties became Enterostomal Therapy & Home Health. Retired 12/31/2020. Her volunteer passion is with Assistance League where she previously served as President (2013 – 2014).

Advisory Council

Mike Davis…………………………….. Davis Galm Law Firm, Lawyer

Les Fahey……………………………… Financial Consultant (Retired)

Francesca Sinapi……………………………. Exec. Dir. of Schools, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program & Professional Development, Access & Engagement Officer, Hillsboro School District

Mark Kemball………………… OHSU, Director of Alumni Relations

John Meek………………………………. Software Executive (Retired)

Shauna Parsons………… KPTV News, Anchor Good Day Oregon

Audra Scott………………………………… Beaverton School District, Title 1 Support Business Partnership Liaison

Ciara Wiard………… Open Sesame, Sales Development Rep

Autzen Foundation
Charis Fund
City of Beaverton
City of Hillsboro
Clark Foundation
Diana and Bruce Halle Foundation
The Holzman Foundation, Inc.
Fred Meyer
Jay and Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation
Juan Young Trust
Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund
NW Natural

OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation
O’Donnell Law Firm, LLC
OnPoint Credit Union
Porsche Audi Beaverton
Reser Family Foundation
Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall Foundation
Robert Brady Charitable Trust
Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust
St. Martin De Porres Trust
Seams to Fit
Strutz & Funes Real Estate Specialists
US Bank
Valley Community Presbyterian Church

Assistance League of Greater Portland
4000 SW 117th Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-526-9300
503-526-1718
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