Operation School Bell® Provided New Clothes to 745 Students in Winter 2023
During February and March 2023, Assistance League of Bend’s Operation School Bell provided new school clothes to 745 students in kindergarten through grade 12. Similar to the fall clothing campaign, students shopped for new school clothes at the Redmond and Bend Walmart stores on designated shopping days. Assistance League of Bend partners with the Family Access Network advocates at each school to identify children in need. These students are able to select new school clothes that fit and make them feel better about themselves using Assistance League of Bend “tickets to shop” valued at $100 for students in grades K-5 and $125 for students in grades 6-12. Assistance League of Bend has found that new clothes elevate a child’s self-esteem, promote peer acceptance, improve attendance, foster learning, improve graduation rates, and inspire hope.