Hundreds of students and their families lined up outside Kohl’s Temecula for the annual Operation School Bell dressing event. The Assistance League of Temecula Valley has been clothing hundreds of students for the past 27 years. Kevin Ohler photo
School bells are ringing again as the new school year has started for students throughout the Valley, but for one local nonprofit organization – The Assistance League of Temecula Valley — it is time for their perennial charitable program, Operation School Bell. The program is in its 27th year, providing free clothes-shopping opportunities for thousands of disadvantaged children from low-income households.
“It’s not just about putting clothes on their backs,” said Dorcas Shaktman, former President of the Assistance League and longtime volunteer, “We get to help them with their self-esteem — that they are worthwhile enough that someone would be willing to do this for them. It is so rewarding to see the smiles on so many faces, both children and parents alike.”
While most families in the area can afford everything their children need and want for back to school, some families struggle just to put food on the table, let alone buy new and stylish clothing or even necessities such as shoes and jackets.
“This is such a godsend,” said one single mother of three students, aged 11 to 17, “There’s no way I would have been able to save this kind of money. We are struggling just to get by. We couldn’t afford to buy any new clothes this year.”
“I’m so grateful,” said her middle school daughter, “I know my mom is working hard and doing her best, but it’s so hard when other kids laugh at you for what you wear.” She proudly showed off new casual sport shoes to replace her tattered and worn sneakers and a jacket to wear when the weather grows cold.
Clothes are important for children to dress like their classmates and have an opportunity to fit in. They help foster a new attitude that contributes to more self-confidence, regular class attendance, participation and higher academic performance.
Needy students are referred, screened and invited to participate by local school districts. They are then given an appointment for their shopping place and time. Assistance League volunteers on-site verify eligibility (income, address, etc) and assist with the shopping process.
Students and their families then shop for their clothing (with a limit of $125 per child), many calculating and budgeting as they go to maximize their use of the funds. For many, it was their first time shopping in a department store. Assistance League volunteers then use pre-purchased gift cards at checkout. Approximately 20 volunteers are needed per dressing event.
The Assistance League has partnered with Kohl’s stores in Temecula, Murrieta and Menifee and Lake Elsinore Target for the program; the stores provide special discounts through nonprofit tax savings as well as in-store staff to help with the shopping process.
The program was initially started in Burbank, but the Temecula Valley chapter has been participating every year. “The first year we clothed 33,” said Shaktman. The students all received three pairs of pants, socks, shoes, underwear, a backpack, a jacket and a hygiene kit.
In succeeding years, in order to avoid being identified as an ‘Operation School Bell kid’ with the same clothing, a change was made to allow the students to select their own clothing by providing a shopping opportunity with a limit.
Last year Operation School Bell clothed 2,048 children, going over 2,000 for the first time. This year the Assistance League has budgeted over $265,000 to clothe a projected 2,100 children. “It sounds like a lot of money,” said one volunteer, “but we always have more kids than money.”
This year, the Assistance League of Temecula Valley is hosting 15 dressing events during September and October to serve the children of Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula and Menifee. They have tentatively planned for an additional dressing in February for additional students that may have missed the fall dressings.
Operation School Bell is funded by The Assistance League Thrift Store, Community Development Block Grant (HUD program) and generous donations from organizations and individuals.
John Hine Subaru has been one of the largest donors each year since opening their dealership in the area. “This is such a fantastic event!” exclaimed Bill Brumbaugh, VP/GM of John Hine Temecula Subaru, “I’m so glad that John Hine Temecula Subaru has the opportunity to once again partner with the Assistance League of Temecula Valley and Operation School Bell. To see the excitement and look on these kids’ faces as they’re able to shop for their own clothes is absolutely priceless.” John Hine dealerships participate in a number of programs designed to give money back to the communities that support their businesses.
Temecula Valley Art League donates annually from their Christmas event and the Temecula Women’s Club regularly provides volunteers for the events.
When the bell rings for school, the Assistance League has been there to answer the call. To volunteer or donate or for more information on their community programs, please visit www.assistanceleague.org or call (951) 694-8018. or visit the Thrift Shop at 28720 Via Montezuma in Temecula. All donations are used locally.
