Our local newspaper, the Desert Sun, recently printed an opinion piece about our chapter’s Operation School Bell^® program and how it benefits our local community.  Portions of that article appear below.  We are proud of our important work in the Coachella Valley and plan to continue to grow as the needs increase.

For more than a decade there has been a debate: Is there any benefit to requiring kids to wear uniforms in our nation’s schools? One side suggests that uniforms are beneficial in promoting school unity and a sense of belonging. Others counter, that requiring uniforms has no positive effect and may even be detrimental.

Our Coachella Valley schools’ requirements are all over the place. Some schools have “T-shirt Friday” when all the children wear their school colors and logos. Others may suggest t-shirts be worn 3 days a week, some every day. But the majority of our public schools expect their students to have and wear these shirts.  This can create a financial struggle to the parents of these students.

This is where Assistance League^® Coachella Valley fits into the picture. This school year, over 5,000+ elementary school children received their t-shirts through the League’s Operation School Bell^® program. Working directly with all three school districts this all-volunteer nonprofit group funds, procures, organizes, and delivers personalized packages of essentials to these children who the schools deem as needing the community’s help.

Participating students receive 3 shirts, a pair of shoes, 6 pairs of socks, 6 pairs of underwear, and hygiene supplies. Additional clothing and hygiene supplies are purchased for inventory, enabling school administrators to distribute items throughout the school year as needs arise.

The program is not about whether matching t-shirts do, or don’t, make a difference in how kids learn. It is about supplying fundamental necessities so each child can attend school feeling like they “fit in” with the other students.

Who are these children? In the Desert Sands School District alone, this year there were 100 foster children, 350 homeless kids and 150 refugees and these numbers are growing. The chapter will clothe up to 5,000 children this fall. Of the schools served, the student population is predominately Hispanic (74-96%) and low-income (85%).

The Assistance League receives scores of notes and crayon drawings full of thanks from both children and parents.

Roberto in 4^th grade says, “I wanted to thank the Assistance Leave [sic] for the school uniforms they provided for me and my brother” and under a yellow happy face he says” You made us happy!” A father wrote “My family and I are very greatfull [sic] of your Support. With the school uniforms, it gives us a little releaf [sic] knowing our son has the appropriate uniforms to attend school.”

We also hear from teachers who tell their own stories: One told of dealing with a child who soiled the only shirt he had. She removed him from the room, give him a brand-new shirt and sheltered him from teasing. These small efforts make a huge difference.

The research mentioned above found reason to believe that class attendance and attention goes up in schools where standardized clothing is available.  It would seem to make sense; is it not better to try something positive and enhance the feeling of self-worth in our children? Assistance League Coachella Valley is doing that in a big way.

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, a regional chamber that spans nearly forty-five miles, serving the needs of nearly half a million year-round residents and over a million visitors each year presented our Assistance League Coachella Valley chapter with the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award. We were specifically honored for our work with the three school districts in the Coachella Valley where we plan to clothe 5,000 needy students this current year.

AL Triangle Area member Nona Wright was Awarded the 2023 Governor Medallion Award for service in Wake County, the highest award for volunteerism and service in the State of North Carolina.

ALNC also received Certificates of Commendation from the Vista City Council, Supervisor Jim Desmond, Congressman Mike Levin, Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and from Senator Catherine Blakespear commending ALNC “for making a difference in home, school and community with sincerity and passion”.

We could not do what we do without the support of our 160 members, our donors, sponsors and our dedicated volunteers who provided over 25,000 hours last year.

This award is in recognition of all that YOU do.

Beverly Charles Whitney Deweese Cheryl McGlocklin
President Counselor, Foothill Oak President Elect

The Seattle Chapter has long been proud of our beautiful thrift shop, but during the pandemic our team took the store to new heights. The entire shop received new exterior and interior paint and our retail aficionados changed the entire focus of the sales floor.  Their vision of good men’s and women’s clothing and housewares plus an outdoor store for non-boutique items lifted store sales beyond anything we might have imagined.

Because of these efforts our customers and community voted for us and local NBC station King 5’s Evening Magazine named our store “Best Thrifting” in their Best of Western Washington series.  This contest recognizes winners in many different categories, but this is the first time we have been selected and featured on their show.  They filmed the entire show right from our store!

The following day our store was beyond busy, and we expect this increased volume of customers to continue particularly throughout the holiday season.  While we are only open three days a week, our thrift shop sales receipts represent nearly one-third of our total budget.  It is a pleasure to work in our beautiful store and we truly have the best customers who regularly return in search of a new find.  For a peek at our beautiful store and to see us enjoy our success, please take a look at the 2022 Best Thrifting Winner – Assistance League of Seattle.

Metro Columbus chapter received the “You Make the Difference” award from the Van Buren
Center at their annual event, “Give Her Hope,” Nov. 3, 2022, at the Fieldhouse at the
Understory, Columbus.

This annual fundraiser, moderated by Monica Day, WCMH-TV personality, highlighted some
of the people who have benefited from Van Buren. Assistance League of Metro Columbus was
one of two groups recognized for our contribution of over 2,000 hygiene kits, winter sweats and
coats, school supplies over the past two years.

“Our communities have seen dramatic rises in unemployment and homelessness over the past
year, leaving our neighbors and their families vulnerable,” said one of the Van Buren staffers.
“The YMCA of Central Ohio and our community partners are dedicated to giving hope back to
our clients, and we need your help! You can be the difference between sleeping in a shelter or
having a home of their own.

“Giving hope comes in many different ways, like an apartment down payment, a ticket to travel
to family out of town, or the fee to obtain a birth certificate.”

Fantastic Finds’ success is due to the over 100 volunteers who price merchandise and staff the store itself. In addition, the high-quality women’s, men’s and boutique clothing, shoes, purses, home décor, jewelry, books plus children’s clothing and toys are second to none.