When the community and a nonprofit work together, great things happen. As local schools face budget cuts and families struggle, it is inspiring to see this partnership in action.

Assistance League of Bellingham’s Operation School Bell program is providing more than 2,000 gift cards this year to students in eight Whatcom County school districts, giving kids the chance to shop for new school clothes with confidence. Volunteers work directly with school liaisons to make sure the cards reach those who need them most.

For the past two years, volunteers Linda Dunkley and Vicki Spinelli have been at the heart of the program’s success, coordinating closely with Beverly Nelson at JCPenney in Bellis Fair mall. Beverly ensures the store is well-stocked, helps at checkout, offers discounts and even provides coupons for reduced-price haircuts at the JCPenney salon through September.

JCPenney also supports the program through its annual Leader Grant round-up, which raised more than $2,200 last year. Thanks to this teamwork, students are guaranteed plenty of clothing options, with staff ready to assist in-store or with online orders.

Every purchase at Assistance League’s Thrift & Gift Shop helps fund programs like Operation School Bell, keeping dollars local and giving Whatcom County kids the tools they need to succeed.