GLADSTONE, Mo. — Most kids look forward to getting new clothes to start the school year. But a lot of families can’t afford to buy those clothes.
That’s where Operation School Bell® comes in. View the newscast.
The nonprofit is helping students all over Kansas City start the new school year in style.
The inside looks like any clothing store. But there’s one big difference – everything inside is free.
“Operation School Bell is designed to provide new clothes to children that might otherwise not have new clothes,” said volunteer Cindy McGinnis.
The program is part of the Assistance League of Kansas City.
“They get three pairs of pants, they get three tops, they get a warm top such as a hoodie or a fleece top, the get underwear, they get socks, and they get a health kit,” said McGinnis.
Volunteers shop for the clothes all year, then help kids pick out their favorites at the start of school.
“This kind of experience really helps them boost their self-esteem,” said Gracemor Elementary Counselor Mindy Cooper. “They don’t really get to get out and shop for new things very often.”
Operation School Bell helps more than 3,000 students from 60 schools.
“The counselors tell us they come to school the very next day and they have their outfits on and their whole attitude improves,” said McGinnis.
Of course it’s fun for the kids to come in and pick out new clothes for the school year. But the volunteers say it’s just as meaningful to them.
“It always brings tears to my eyes whenever I talk about this program because it’s so rewarding to us as volunteers,” McGinnis said.
Operation School Bell needs volunteers and money. CLICK HERE to find out how you can help.
