Operation School Bell

Operation School Bell began in August of 1984 to provide clothing to Austin children who could not attend school due to lack of proper clothing. Poor attendance and deportment contribute to failure and eventually school dropouts. Children in need are identified by teachers, counselors, parent support personnel and the Austin Independent School District's Coordinator for Project HELP. Assistance League members give each child individualized attention with the goal of improving the child's self-esteem. Many children served have never had new clothing of their very own.

In June 2007, we produced a video that tells the story of School Bell. Click here to watch it.

Assistance League volunteers provide the students with new jeans, T-shirts, underwear and socks, a jacket, shoes, a backpack and grooming kit. Each child's new clothing is valued at approximate $90 wholesale. They also receive some gently-used clothing. Essentially, they are given a week's school wardrobe of clothing. Clothing is purchased at wholesale with funds raised by Assistance League of Austin volunteers and generous donations from the Austin community.

Clothing over 50,000 children in the past 25 years--3,537 during 2009-2010 year
Giving individualized attention to each child showing him/her to be of great value
Promoting educational success through better self-esteem and school attendance
Preventing school drop outs
Improving the lives of the whole family
715 clothed through Kid's Closet
8,000 spirit shirts given to 8 elementary schools

"OPERATION SCHOOL BELL gives our children hope, restores self-respect, brings them joy. Many of these children may never have known what new clothes, shoes, or backpacks were if it weren't for School Bell. Words cannot express the looks on their faces when they receive these items. For this, we say thank you and express our sincerest appreciation to your wonderful organization. You do make a difference in children's lives."

Sylvia Del Tora, Parent Support Specialist

Pat Reid, Pat Schier, and AISD student at Operation School Bell

Dr. Kaye Forgione, Advisory Council member, visiting with children at Operation School Bell.

	"We all know how good new clothes can make us feel. It's the same with children. Children wearing something new will come to school with enthusiasm and feeling good about themselves. The reverse is also true. Attendance figures show that a lack of suitable clothing--and the resulting low esteem--produce high absenteeism among our students." Dr. Pat Forgione, Superintendent, AISD, 1999-2009
Children in the learning center waiting to be clothed

Selecting new wardrobe

Child selecting new school wardrobe

Operation School Bell frequently receives Thank You notes after clothing children. Here's one from Celeste, Jennifer and Jose.

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Caring and Commitment in Action