Inland North County – Operation School Bell

Assistance League of Inland North County provided school clothes and shoes for 2,330 students in grades K-12 this school year.

Operation School Bell® serves students in need from schools in Escondido, Fallbrook, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista and Warner Springs. Students get to shop at Kohl´s for new clothing and shoes, which is intended to boost their self confidence and school attendance.

Each school district identifies their students in need from the free and reduced lunch program. Students in grades K-1 receive $100, grades 2-5 $125 and grades 6-12 $150 to choose what they need. Over 60 Assistance League members volunteer to be personal shoppers, helping families to find bargains and appropriate sizes for each child.

Many of the kids can´t wait to put on their new jackets and wear them out of the store. Assistance League volunteers, from left to right, before (social distancing restrictions): Nancy Endress, Ellen Oddone, Judy Davis, chairman of Operation School Bell. Visit assistanceleague.org/inland/north/county.