Shoes were on the top of everyone’s list of purchase. The children were told, “The sky’s the limit, pick out the shoes that you really love!” 

Many children walked away with shoes they never thought they would ever be able to call their own! How excited the children were to choose their own school clothes. We are happy to report that jackets, sweatshirts, leggings, tops, jeans, and underwear were among the children’s favorites

For 22 years, Assistance League® of Amador Valley has supported this crucial program called Operation School Bell®. It has clothed 7,472 students since it began. The goal of is this program is to boost the esteem of children, which leads to strengthening a children’s ability to learn. Studies have shown that children who attend school inappropriately dressed are at a disadvantage to learning, while wearing appropriate school clothing that fits and blends in with their peers, can improve school attendance and help classroom performances

Each fall, select children are invited to come to Kohl’s in Livermore or Pleasanton where they are paired with a personal shopper—a member of Assistance League® of Amador Valley. Each child personally shops with one volunteer and is encouraged to choose and enjoy selecting their individual school clothes. The money to support this wonderful program is received through grant writing, fundraising events and personal donations to Assistance League of Amador Valley.

This year, along with being able to shop for the school clothes of their choice, the children we encouraged to pick out an age-appropriated book and then receive a dental hygiene kit. These latter two items were organized and donated by the Pleasanton North Rotary, Children’s Healthy Smiles Project, and Liberty Dental. Upon leaving, the students and their parents expressed a heartfelt thank you!

Learn more about Operation School Bell – Clothing the Children

Click here

ALAV’s Vice President of Resource Development, Debbie Flatt, received the grant award on October 26, 2023 at TVNA’s reception where a total of $40,000 in grants were distributed to many fantastic local organizations.

Congratulations to all recipients!

Read more about our grantors . . .

The Food Pantry is now located at 150 N L Street in Livermore. Reney, Manager of the Food Pantry, gave our chairs a personal tour of the new facility. Wow! It was spacious and will better serve the community’s needs.

The Food Pantry distributes free groceries to over 4,000 low-income Tri-Valley residents. ALAV was acknowledged for being the only group that supplies them milk and eggs on a weekly basis! It was a proud moment to be acknowledged for our contribution in helping them to serve those less fortunate.

For the calendar year June 2021 through May 2022, our membership has supported the Food Pantry. Our members shop together with funds raised by our chapter’s fundraising efforts and deliver on a weekly basis the following items:

• Over 40 gallons of milk
• 25 dozen of eggs
• Over 20-30 pounds of frozen meat
• Several bags of fruit, and
• Cases of flour, sugar and oil

It is so fulfilling to help others in our community who need a helping hand, especially during these trying post-pandemic times.

TVH: What is the Assistance League of Amador Valley (ALAV)?

Bobbie: The Assistance League of Amador Valley is a chapter of the national nonprofit organization, the Assistance League. We do many outreach events to help our community, for example, a Clothing the Children event. Unfortunately, this year we had to postpone this activity due to COVID. However, instead we provided over 400 headsets/ear pieces and microphones so students could attend school online!

We also purchase birthday bags for children of different ages who reside at Tri-Valley Haven’s shelters. The bags provide age appropriate gifts and supplies to throw a party and to decorate. The bags even include a gift card to buy a birthday cake! ALAV also provides hearing tests and seeing tests for kindergarteners and first graders when we have the resources. If needed, we offer referrals to specialists who are among our members. Another event the Assistance League sponsors, when we are not in a pandemic, is a Valentine’s Day Event at the Pleasanton Senior Center. The Assistance League also provided approximately 2,000 books this year to primary school children.

The Assistance League of Amador Valley has donated to Tri-Valley Haven programs for almost six years. Since the pandemic started, our members have provided Tri-Valley Haven’s food pantry and families in great economic need with eggs, milk, sugar, flour, bread and cooking oil. We also contribute chicken and meat products when our budget allows. These items are essential and greatly needed as the food pantry often runs out of these necessities.

ALAV has been sending out mailers to raise donations because we are not holding fundraisers at this time. We are STILL receiving contributions from the community which is amazing! Thankfully, we have been able to provide double the food to the Haven’s pantry!

TVH: Amazing, we appreciate your contributions so much! What about TVH grabbed the interest of the Amador Valley chapter?

Bobbie: We started about six years ago, providing groceries and other items, helping to stock the food pantry shelves. Our members believe it is a win-win situation because not only are we helping our community, but it is dear to our hearts and brings us enjoyment as well.

TVH: Is there anything specific that you are offering the community during COVID?

Bobbie: Each committee in the ALAV has a specific goal and budget for the year. The Food for Families committee, was able to increase its donations to Tri-Valley Haven’s food pantry from twice a month to weekly. When I was there last week, we served 30 families, but then the following day we served 50 families! All the milk we bring is gone the same day! I think there is a lot more local need out there than a lot of us have realized.

TVH: Right it is very challenging right now. If people want to get involved with ALAV, what should they do?

Bobbie: If people would like more information, they can contact us at Amador Valley, P.O 11843 Pleasanton, CA, 94588 or visit our website at assistanceleague.org/Amador-valley

It’s a very rewarding program and we make a big impact!

Tri-Valley Haven thanks Bobbie for her time. We appreciate the Assistance League of Amador Valley for their consistent support throughout the years!

(This article appeared in Tri-Valley Haven’s Customer e-Newsletter, titled Winter Outreach, Assistance League & More, February 25, 2021.)

In Livermore alone, ALAV help children in three different shelters – one for homeless and two for victims of domestic abuse. Children in shelters may not have any other acknowledgment of their birthday, and this is one way for these children to feel special during a very challenging time in their lives. Birthday bags let the children know people care.

(To read the entire article, visit The Independent: Assistance League Continues Work During Pandemic).

“This year due to COVID-19 the pantry is supporting 1,200 families, said public relations chairwoman Barbara Campos.

Members of Assistance League of Amador Valley used to supply the Food Pantry basic items such as flour, oil and sugar every two weeks, but now with the increased need, we are shopping every week.

“We also purchase other items as our budget allows,” Campos said. “These are difficult times, and it is heartwarming to see that we can make a big difference in helping our neighbors in need, especially at this time.”

(To read the entire article, visit Pleasanton’s Weekly Pleasanton: Assistance League Increases Food Program).

Assistance League has always appreciated its strong connection with the local schools, and has received excellent support from Amador Valley communities. That support is doubly appreciated– during these challenging times– for our school program. We want our children to get the best education possible, and we thank our supporters for enabling us to make a significant contribution to our schools and children.

(To read the entire article, visit the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce website).