These two young ladies are thrilled with the shoes they received through Operation School Bell and Shoe Carnival. (Photo: Susie Moore Photography)
Speaking of good works, there is a group of women in Indianapolis who work tirelessly to help needy children with school clothing, books and winter coats every year.
Assistance League of Indianapolis runs Operation School Bell, and social workers and staff from Indianapolis Public Schools and the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren and Washington townships identify and refer the kindergarten through sixth-grade students served by the program.
Each child receives a duffel bag, winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves, socks, underwear, belt, three shirts and two pairs of pants, jumpers or skorts. Assistance League volunteers work one-on-one with each child, helping them choose items from an array of colors and styles in their size. A hygiene kit, school supplies and two books are supplied as well.
A companion program offered in collaboration with Shoe Carnival outfits the kids with shoes each year.
In its 30-plus years of operation, the program has outfitted nearly 50,000 students. This year, Operation School Bell has a new home. Forced to leave the historic Coca-Cola building on Massachusetts Avenue, which is being redeveloped, the group worked with IPS to locate new space in an old school.
Assistance League invited local leaders to “Ring the Opening Bell” at its new shop on Wednesday. The former Forest Manor Middle School, 4501 E. 32nd St., though closed for many years, is alive with the sounds of children again when they come in to “shop” for their new clothes.
IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee said he was “blown away” on his first visit to Operation School Bell. “It’s a service to our young people with the greatest level of dignity and care that I’ve ever seen. The faces and reactions of the students really warmed my heart,” he said, adding, “When students look good, they feel better, they’re more confident and they’re better learners in the classroom.”
Elly Johnston, chairman of Operation School Bell, said Assistance League volunteers, spouses and others spent all summer cleaning the space, putting up shelves and unpacking merchandise to be ready for students by mid-August.
“It truly is incredible what some of these boys and girls face every day,” she said. “They come in without socks, without underwear. We know the need is there, and we wish we could do more.”
By mid-November, Operation School Bell expects to have served more than 3,200 students this school year. “We could double what we’re doing if we just had the manpower and the money,” she said.
For a donation of $115, you can outfit a child with all of the items mentioned above. To learn more about how you can help or to volunteer, visit www.alindy.org, or call (317) 872-1010.
