Operation School Bell®
Operation School Bell provides elementary and middle school students a shopping experience for brand new clothing. The children leave with a huge bag of new clothes, new toiletries, wide grins and a renewed sense of confidence.
Washoe County School District personnel identify the students at the individual schools and submit the list to the Operation School Bell committee. Students attend a scheduled shopping event with their parents or guardians at the retail store closest to the school. The event happens after school so the students do not miss valuable school time. When students check in, they receive a wristband and a list of appropriate items to purchase. Assistance League member volunteers work at the event, assisting at check in, adding up merchandise, and helping with check out and bagging. At the checkout stand, students receive an Essentials kit. FYE 2020-2021 purchased new clothing and school uniform shirts for approx. 8,000 WCSD students. In partnership with the Links to Learning program, Operation School Bell purchased over 400 new computers for WCSD to assist students in distance learning.