Assistance League of Pueblo is gearing up for Operation School Bell®, its signature annual philanthropic event in which new clothes are provided to children in both Pueblo School District 60 and Pueblo County District 70 for the start of the new school year.
Assistance League of Pueblo, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, works through school counselors in both districts who recommend students who could benefit from the program and receive new clothes, as well as hygiene kits and books.
“We just want people to know about it and for parents to realize that if they’re interested in having their child be a part of the program they need to call the school counselor,” said Susan Bernal, co-chair of Operation School Bell.
Assistance League of Pueblo dispenses about 1,300 $100 vouchers to schools, and counselors at those schools hand out the vouchers to children who qualify for the program.
Then, from Sept. 9 to 13, parents can take their kids to the North Side Walmart to use the vouchers to purchase school clothes. Assistance League volunteers would be at Walmart during those times to help the kids check out, and after doing so would also hand out hygiene kits and a book to the kids.
Bernal said the children must purchase school clothes with the $100 vouchers.
A large portion of Assistance League’s funding comes from revenue generated at its thrift store, The Bargain Box, 331 E. Fourth St. Donated clothes, toys, books and other items are put up for sale at the store at low cost.
Assistance League also relies on fundraisers held throughout the year such as its holiday fashion show. The organization also applies for and receives grants, plus receives donations from businesses and individuals in the community.
