Assistance League helps over 8,300 at-risk kids go back to school in style

Published on Wed, Jul 30, 2014 (8:06 a.m.)

Submitted by Assistance League of Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – July 30, 2014 – The Assistance League® of Las Vegas (ALLV) will launch their annual Operation School Bell® program on September 8, 2014 at their headquarters located at 6446 W. Charleston. The program runs from September through April, and provides over 8,300 at-risk children a back-to-school shopping experience. Children and teens in grades K-8 shop for fashionable clothing, shoes, jackets, and other apparel. They also receive hygiene kits.

Beginning in late August, school counselors refer students in need to Operation School Bell from the Clark County School District. Each child shops with the assistance of an ALLV volunteer. Together they select two complete school-appropriate outfits including jeans, shirts, shoes, jackets, undergarments and socks. All clothing is new.

“For children from families with limited or no back-to-school shopping budgets, the opportunity to select their own brand new clothing is a major highlight to start the school year. It helps raise self-esteem and get them off to a fresh start. Every little bit counts,” says Dana Wiesner, 2014-2015 president of Assistance League of Las Vegas. “Our goal is to provide kids a better chance to succeed and to reduce some of the added barriers that many from low-income families have to cross.”

Operation School Bell is funded by grants and private donations. Clothing is purchased year round by Assistance League of Las Vegas volunteers, who buy the items at cost and at wholesale prices; volunteers are able to purchase over $400 worth of clothing for each child, at a cost of $75. The unique aspect of Operation School Bell is that all clothing is brand new, so children get the experience of looking and feeling their best.

Assistance League of Las Vegas is a 100% volunteer organization. Last year, over 410 volunteers contributed over 43,000 hours to benefit Clark County. Over 70 volunteers help to make Operation School Bell a success each year.

About Assistance League of Las Vegas

Established in 1976, Assistance League of Las Vegas (ALLV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that provides programs and services geared to enrich the lives of children and families in need. Its philanthropic programs are completely funded through contributions from the community, grants, fundraising events and sales from their full service thrift shop. Community programs include Operation School Bell®, Rose Warren Volunteer Program, The Kids On the Block®, Layettes, Desert Sage Angel Assistance and Desert Sage Pocket Books. ALLV serves at-risk children, homeless teens, and families in crisis in a variety of capacities. As part of the National Assistance League network of 120 linked chapters across the U.S., Assistance League of Las Vegas focuses on helping people in need achieve a better quality of life. For more information please visit www.allv.org.

###