Thursday, December 13, 2012

Operation School Bell Rings In the Season of Giving All Year

The Assistance League of Greater San Diego supports our schools and students throughout the school year through various programs. Operation School Bell is the signature program of the national and local nonprofit organization, providing new clothing to children in grades K-6 who are identified as in need by school personnel. Students from Valencia Park Elementary were the most recent recipients of Operation School Bell’s gift of new clothing, shoes and books.

A bus, funded through a donation from the Kiwanis Club of San Diego, transported 62 Valencia Park students, their principal and two staff members to the Assistance League Chapter House in Hillcrest.

They were greeted by League volunteers who helped the students with their “shopping”. Students left with a bag in their hands and a smile on their faces. In addition to smiling faces, Operation School Bell has resulted in increased regular attendance, academic performance and fewer discipline problems.

The district’s partnership with the Assistance League provides clothing and other supports to thousands of economically disadvantaged children in San Diego Unified each year.  Many of its members are retired San Diego Unified educators and administrators.

To learn more, go the Assistance League website or visit its Thrift Store located at 108 University Ave, San Diego (92103).