Angel Society donates more than $88,000 in charitable giving, student scholarships

FALLBROOK – Since its inception in 1978, the Angel Society has raised funds for local philanthropy through the operation of the Angel Shop, a community thrift store managed and staffed entirely by volunteers.

During the Angels' fiscal year starting on May 1, 2020 and continuing through

April 30, 2021, charitable giving to 38 nonprofit organizations and projects totaled

$68,650. Another $19,500 in scholarships was also awarded to 18 local graduating

seniors and two continuing college students. The nonprofit organization's total

philanthropy over the years now surpasses $4.26 million.

In addition, the Angels gave $8,040 in non monetary donations to several

community nonprofits and causes including surplus books to the Fallbrook Library's Bottom Shelf Bookstore, shoes to Zion Lutheran School for recycling, pet supplies to the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary, various sundries to the Women's Resource Center, yarn and other craft supplies to the Fallbrook Blanket Project, prescription glasses for refurbishing, and clothing and household goods to schools, churches and various other groups.

For most of the past fiscal year, the Angel Shop has remained open for business

despite diminished volunteer ranks due to the threat of COVID. Many of the group's volunteers are seniors, some of whom have underlying conditions or live with family members who are at risk.

With fewer volunteers, shopping hours were slashed from five to three hours a

day, and the store was open only fours days a week instead of six. As mandated by the state, volunteers and shoppers were required to wear masks and temperatures were taken at the door. Donations remained brisk, however, and the numbers of volunteers have gradually increased. On June 1, the Angel Shop extended the hours it is open for business to Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We are so happy to announce we will now be open five days a week," said

Louise Small, a member of the Angels' board of directors since 2015. She succeeds Jean Dooley as president when her two-year term ends this month.

"We have been so lucky to have over 75 volunteers work with us through the

pandemic. Everyone worked so hard to make things seem normal and cheerful during these trying times," Small said.

As a thank you to those volunteers, a special "Volunteer Appreciation Tea" was

held at the Angel Shop on May 24 and 25. For a second year, the group's annual May meeting and luncheon for members was cancelled, with plans to hold the event next year.

"The community has been extremely supportive with donations and shopping and

their patience all year long," Small added, noting that many of this year's high school scholarship recipients "worked along with us in the shop each week," she said. "We are so appreciative of their help and support."

The following high school graduates are 2020-21 Angel scholarship recipients:

Alma Aquilar, Diego Duran, Edrei "Eddie" Padilla Gomez, Jade Kennedy, Erica

Montejo, Leila Perko, Anna Gaspar, Emma Goode, Mario Hernandez, Eduardo Lopez, Paige Mansell, Abigail McCarthy, Jose Navarrete, Leila Reyes, Rachelle Roderick, Lily Taylor, Maria Tomas and Cole Traut.

Lily Janey and Chiara Curnow are continuing college students who also received

scholarships.

Philanthropy funds during the fiscal year 2020-21 were distributed as follows:

Bonsall/Fallbrook Little League; Bonsall Woman's Club; Botanical Community

Development Initiatives; Boys and Girls Club of North County; Canine Companions; Cat Adoptive Services; Eagle Scout Troop 754; Fallbrook AG Boosters Club; Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary; Fallbrook Art Association; Fallbrook Beautification Alliance; Fallbrook Cheer Booster Association; Fallbrook Child Development Center; Fallbrook Chorale; Fallbrook Food Pantry; Fallbrook Foundation for Senior Care; Fallbrook High School PTSA; Fallbrook Land Conservancy; Fallbrook Music Society; Fallbrook School of the Arts; Fallbrook Sports Association; Fallbrook Trails Council; Fallbrook Youth Baseball; Friends of the Fallbrook Community Center; Friends of the Fallbrook Library; Good Dog Service Canines; Hope Clinic for Women; Oceanside Senior Anglers Foundation; Oso Amil Operation Showers of Appreciation; Potter Jr. High School PTA; Reins; Rotary Club of Fallbrook Village; Save Our Forest; TERI Campus of Life; Vet CTAP; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fallbrook; William H. Frazier Elementary School; and Women's Resource Center.

Dooley said members of the Angel Society are "excited to see our country and our

community begin its recovery from a most challenging year."

"We are energized and committed to continuing the vital work of providing funds

to assist local nonprofit organizations, as well as students, through our philanthropic and scholarship programs," she added. "I want to personally thank all those responsible for keeping our work alive for the past year, from the volunteers who work at the Angel Shop to the people who donate to the shop. Thank you to everyone in Fallbrook and beyond who support us through their purchases and donations. We look forward to serving you well into the future."

Donations of gently-used clothing, household goods, collectibles, small furniture

and treasures are gratefully accepted at the Angel Shop between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Requests for philanthropic funds should be made in writing to the Angel Society, c/o Philanthropy Chair, P.O. Box 1408, Fallbrook, CA 92088.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit

www.theangelsociety.org.

Submitted by The Angel Society.