Assistance League of San Mateo County Volunteers hard at work fitting school children for new clothes.

Operation School Bell® is a program of Assistance League of San Mateo County, started in 1953.  The program provides new school clothing to disadvantaged children in grades K-7.  Each child  receives two complete outfits, pants or skorts, tops (uniforms where applicable), plus three pairs of socks and underwear and a sweatshirt.  A personal hygiene kit with toothbrush, toothpaste and a comb is also provided. Due to the pandemic impact on schools, the requested clothes were packed and delivered to the schools by our volunteers following the county’s health guidelines and following school protocol for student safety. Member volunteers are responsible for the purchasing and stocking of the clothing.

Last year we helped clothe over 2300 children in San Mateo County.   We contract with school districts in San Mateo-Foster City, Burlingame, Redwood City, East Palo Alto,  Ravenswood, Belmont, San Bruno, and Millbrae.  Our goal is to improve the health, self-esteem and school attendance of these children so that they may achieve in school to the best of their ability.

The bulk of our financing comes from TURNSTYLE, Assistance League’ s resale shop at 60 North B Street in San Mateo. We welcome all who join with us in supporting this worthwhile program.  All expenses and overhead for running the program and maintaining the facility are assumed by Assistance League of San Mateo County, and all contributions received go directly toward the purchase of new clothing for the children.

For further information please contact Maureenabolandosb@yahoo.com

2015 Operation School Bell Award to Old Navy, San Bruno, CA