Assistance League of Santa Ana Launches 'Operation School Bell'

    SANTA ANA, CA, December 14, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Assistance League of Santa Ana (ALSA), now in its 85th year of serving needy members of the community with clothing, food and other services, today announced its annual Operation School Bell is in full swing by donating school uniforms and accessories to in-need students in the Santa Ana Unified School District.

The program benefits students in the SAUSD's 37 elementary and nine intermediate schools. Each student receives two complete school uniforms valued at $370, a jacket, undergarments, shoes and socks, and a new book appropriate to his or her grade level of K-8.

"The Assistance League of Santa Ana is the only organization that provides free uniforms to children in the SAUSD," says league spokesperson Gayle McLean. "Operation School Bell is totally volunteer operated and all contributions go directly for tangible supplies that are passed on to the students at no cost to them."

"Our goal is to give SAUSD students the boost of confidence they need to live up to their potential," she adds. "We believe no student should fail to attend or perform in school for lack of adequate clothing. Through Operation School Bell, the focus is on attending school regularly and becoming a fully engaged learner in a safe and supportive."

According to the principal at Martin Elementary School, "Thanks to the Assistance League of Santa Ana we are able to outfit all 42 students who will be arriving at our learning lab starting Nov. 30."

Said one of the parents, "the truth is that Operation School Bell is a marvelous help for the children and for us. The children are excited and happy to get their uniforms – it gets them looking forward to school and being prepared."

And another family echoed its gratitude by saying: "The Assistance League is a tremendous help. With the uniforms and shoes provided, we are able to save money that can be used for other needs our families have, especially in these difficult times."

She said the organization, which also sponsors the Katharine Irvine Dental Center for children and several scholarships to high school seniors, last year spent nearly $400,000 in philanthropic contributions. Other ALSA initiatives include helping the community rescue girls from human trafficking, providing literacy coaching, providing an emergency food bank and as steady distribution of food to about 120 families.

McLean said the league is always looking for additional dedicated volunteers and active members as well as funding sponsors that include corporate and private foundation grants, individual donations and fundraisers like the Putt and Pour Golf tournament and Wine Tasting.

A large portion of the league's funds are generated from sales in its Thrift Shop at 1037 W. First St. in downtown Santa Ana. For more information, call the league office at (714) 664-0547 or email [email protected].

The Assistance League of Santa Ana is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the unique needs and challenges of students, children, families and seniors in Santa Ana, one of the largest cities in California. The many charitable services are locally designed, funded, organized and carried out to fit the needs of the most needy in the community by volunteers, league members and donors.

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