Operation School Bell^® (OSB) is the national philanthropy of ALSC. The program provides new common dress clothes for children in need in public schools. In addition OSB provides enrichment for children through literacy development programs, school supplies, early childhood intervention, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) programs. Achievements during the 2021-2022 school year included: 1300 students were outfitted with school shirts, 2600 books were purchased for pediatric health clinics, literacy, poetry and music programs were provided for 645 students. Ninety-four children selected their own books during “Action Week” and their teachers selected a focus book for each of their classroom students. Ninety-six kindergarten backpacks and 200 school logo hats were also provided. Six art students received $500 mentorships.

Click Here for our Operation School Bell Thank You Note Collection

Booster Bags boosts the spirits of women and children in crisis by providing backpacks/bags containing toiletries and clothing. Additionally, gift certificates to our Assistance League Thrift Shop and bus tickets are also provided. Currently Booster Bags serves people through The Living Room, YWCA and Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) programs. During the year ending May 31, 2022, this program distributed 720 backpacks/bags to children, women in crisis and young adults. 1140 bus tickets were given to the YWCA Women’s Emergency Shelter and The Living Room. One hundred and forty-four  AL Thrift Shop gift certificates were given out and 54 were redeemed.

Sights and Sounds provides free screening to preschool children in Sonoma County to detect vision and hearing problems.  Since the pandemic this program has been put on hold.

Safe Haven supports recipients that reside in residences managed by Women’s Recovery Services. A total of 102 women and children were given a $25 gift card at Christmas. 140 NA/AA books, workbooks and meditation guides were provided, along with 32 book-bags and dictionaries.

Outreach supports emerging community needs, this year giving $2000 to food programs.

Bright Beginnings supports two separate programs, Wee Wardrobe and Scholarships.

Wee Wardrobe fills the needs of teen parents participating in the Teen Parent Connections Program of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.  During the year ending May 31, 2022 the program served 252 people by providing 70 baby layettes, 10 Boppy nursing pillows, 150 books, 15 file sorters and 102 Christmas gift bags that included a $25 gift card. Teen parents are provided within an established budget, clothing, layettes, books and essential baby supplies.  A clothing closet named “Wee Wardrobes” is located at the County Health Services building for access by case managers and their teen clients.

Education & Scholarship: Financial assistance is provided to eligible teen mothers attending Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. During the year ending May 31, 2022, 3 scholarships of $500 each were awarded, and 3 laptops with software were also provided. Administration of this program was impacted by the pandemic.