Abigail happily showing off her new outfit from Operation School Bell
Assistance League of Kansas City is an all-volunteer non-profit organization operating several community based philanthropic programs. These programs provide new clothing and supplies to needy and at-risk children, students and families; support to assault victims; teddy bears to comfort children in crisis; friendship to area seniors and an elementary school curriculum teaching safety skills and awareness. Operation School Bell® and Operation Child In Need are two of Assistance League’s programs that positively impact area school children. Because of generous support from donors such as Harvest Ball Society, we are able to provide new clothing and personal care items for children in elementary and middle schools, identified by the eight local school districts that we serve. Each child receives two pair of pants, three shirts, a warm top, a package each of underwear and socks, a hat and gloves, a health kit, an age appropriate reading book and a shoe voucher to Payless shoes. Since 1993, we have served over 27,000 children who might not have otherwise had new clothing for the school year.
Counselors, teachers, students, as well as parents, all attest to the significance and importance of this program. One parent sent this note after his two sons received clothing from Operation School Bell, “I am both amazed and overwhelmed with gratitude for the clothes and care packages they came home with. Both boys were extremely excited, and I am so grateful that they both have clothes, without holes, for school this winter. God bless you and everyone involved with their generosity.” A director of Guidance and Counseling with the Liberty Public Schools made these comments: “The look of happiness and excitement on the children’s faces when they bring their bags of clothes back to the activity room is dramatic. For many, this means that they will truly be able to come to school in clean clothes that fit, that are without holes…They feel as if they actually belong with their peers, as opposed to experiencing the rejection that some face from classmates due to their appearance…Dignity is offered and received…Assistance League of Kansas City, through Operation School Bell, helps our neediest students… For this we are most grateful…”
