Operation School Bell has for 49 years, been the signature philanthropic program of Assistance League of Corvallis. This program provides new clothing for eligible Benton County school children to encourage learning, improve attendance, and increase self-esteem.
Beginning in 1968 with a $500 budget, the program has grown so that in 2017-2018 with a budget of $77,000, more than 1000 students benefited. Over the years Assistance League have clothed more than 23,500 Benton County students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. How do they accomplish this? Presently, 29 schools and agencies refer recipients to Operation School Bell. Multi-lingual order forms are faxed to the chapter house where members fill the orders. Volunteer shoppers ensure that we are well-stocked with fashionable clothing. Each recipient receives a carefully selected warm jacket or fleece, jeans or leggings, t-shirts, sweats, socks, underwear, a personal hygiene kits, and a shoe voucher. Bras and gym shorts are available for older students. The filled shopping bag is then delivered to the school or agency.
None of this is possible without the generosity of their donors; corporations, grantors, foundations, businesses, and individuals. In their 49 years, a grand total of $1,372,000 has been donated to enable Assistance League to improve the lives of children in Benton County. Assistance League has several ways you can support Operation School Bell. You can make a direct donation, attend their craft fair The Galleria on October 13th or Winter’s Eve, their exciting night in downtown Corvallis on November 30.
For more information on Assistance League, or to donate please visit www.alcorvallis.org.
