Operation School Bell, the philanthropic program of the Assistance League of Boise, provides new clothes for kids in need.

I’ve had the chance to see Operation School Bell in action, and it’s great. Kids (chosen by school counselors, teachers) come to the “store,” where volunteers help them pick out clothes. Shelves are stocked just like a department store’s. Kids get everything, from socks, to sweatshirts.

Becky De Armond, Operation School Bell, chair, told me that donations from the public are always needed.

“The phone calls are basically non-stop to our school scheduler, asking if we can dress more than their school allotment,” De Armond said. The group is getting more calls than last year, while it’s contending with a smaller budget.

Operation School Bell buys new clothes through a national wholesale company that works with Assistance Leagues across the country, so cash donations are key.  

OSB staffers do not include gloves and hats for kids in their budget.

“We totally rely on donations for each of those items,” De Armond said, “although I must mention, a wonderful senior organization, RSVP/Retired Senior Volunteer Program, has become one of OSB’s new ‘best friends’ and makes hats for us by the hundreds. Actually, the thousands!”

De Armond said OSB dressed just over 3,150 elementary kids last year, and 352 junior high kids. They’re assuming they’ll dress more this year, or attempt to, with more demand and less money. “Time will tell,” De Armond said.

Can you help? Call the OSB office at 377-4327 ext 201.