Assistance League of Pasadena’s Craft Store closes doors for last time

The Assistance League of Pasadena’s craft store opened its doors for the final time Saturday, July 29, after serving the community for nearly 70 years.

On its last day, customers and board members alike expressed their sadness with the store’s closure.

Eleanor Vega began coming to the Craft Fair Gift Shop nearly 30 years ago, when she visited for the first time in high school with her mother.

“[This store] is a little hidden talent of Pasadena,” said Vega, carrying a pile of floral wreaths.

The craft store has similarly been referred to as a gem for thrifty finds and locally handcrafted goods while at the same time supporting Pasadena’s senior citizens. The store offered a number of items, from hand-painted pottery and linens to baby clothes and blankets.

Vega noted that her favorite time to visit the craft store was around Christmas time.

“Here you would find really unique gifts that you couldn’t find anywhere else, and they were perfect to give to friends and family members. It was something handmade, and you don’t see that very often anymore.”

She said that she was extremely sad about the closure, noting her love for the store’s one-of-a-kind crafts. She said that she kept going back to support the craft store’s ongoing efforts to support Pasadena’s senior community as well as provide them with a creative outlet.

She also understood the need for the store to close down, referring to a conversation she had with one of the store operators about the reason for the closure.

“They said a lot of our locals have moved out and we couldn’t sustain the store anymore. Most of the crafters are older, and they’ve moved away, or they passed away. That’s what sustained the store, and they couldn’t continue,” Vega said, also pointing to the store only being open three days a week.

The craft store is the Assistance League of Pasadena’s longest running program since its opening in 1955.

Despite its closure, the philanthropic organization will now focus on and continue to run several of their other programs, stated Vice President of Craft Fair Simonetta May. This includes their Very Important Performers (VIP) program, which benefits local middle schoolers who’ve demonstrated the most improvement, support for assault victims with their Assault Survivor Kits (ASK), and Operation School Bell, which donates clothes to students in need.

“It’s always sad,” May expressed, “but times change, and we will continue to serve our community. Old-time customers will miss it.”

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