Elementary school children are referred to our program by their school principal, teacher or nurse.  They usually qualify for free or reduced meals; sometimes are homeless or abandoned but are always suffering from financial hardships.  Each child receives a warm zip-up hooded jacket, a hooded sweatshirt, long and short sleeve shirts, long pants and shorts, three pair of underwear and socks, shoes and a hygiene kit filled with shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and brush.  Local Office Max customers have also donated hundreds of school supplies to these same children through our program, Operation School Bell.  Our Operation School Bell center is staffed on designated days from 9:30am to 12:30pm by adult members, Assisteens^®, and Office Max community volunteers.

For 17 years, Operation School Bell has benefited the students of Fresno Unified School District.  In 2006, Operation School Bell expanded into Clovis Unified and has now clothed children from nine elementary schools.  In 2007, we expanded into Central Unified by clothing children at Teague Elementary School.  This program began with a simple sense of deep concern and caring.  Today it stands as a beacon for Assistance League’s understanding that a giving heart and simple acts can make a significant difference.