Assistance League Operation School Bell’s Restocks and Restores Rocks!

Since 1994, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley’s Operation School Bell®, a nationally acclaimed, hands-on philanthropic program, has provided clothing for elementary school children in our local community. In recent years, the program has expanded to meet the growing needs of the community.

One example saved valuable classroom instruction time and alleviated transportation constraints. Rather than transport students to the Chapter Offices located in Walnut Creek, Operation School Bell volunteers reported to recipient schools to record children’s sizes and preferences. The items were then bagged at the Chapter Offices. The individualized bags were then delivered to the appreciative students.

More recently, a Restock and Restore Program materialized, where in January of each year, volunteers reach out to the identified schools to ask if extra uniforms are needed for the remainder of the school year. This year, ten schools responded, which resulted in an additional $21,000 appropriation. The day Monday, February 13 marked a new beginning for the most appreciative recipients.

While this endeavor took the phrase hands-on programs to great heights, it showed a desire on the part of innovative volunteers to fine tune a program in order to meet the students’ ongoing needs. They, in turn, will remember this effort as they pass it along to others.

To learn about all of Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s 16 hands-on programs which are funded by the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop in Lafayette, please visit: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.