Operation School Bell, a program of the Assistance League of Greater Portland, will provide new clothing to 1,173 students in need in the Hillsboro School District in 2015-16, for a total investment of more than $115,000.
The Assistance League of Greater Portland has been serving students in need in the Hillsboro School District* since 1998 through their signature program: Operation School Bell.
[Operation School Bell]’s tagline is: “We believe no child should wear poverty to school,” and in that spirit they have been providing the District’s neediest students with new clothing, toiletries, winter coats, and shoes for the past 17 years. For a majority of that time, they focused on elementary school students—inviting them to come to the [Operation School Bell] portable on the Miller West campus and select clothing that had been pre-purchased in bulk.
In the 2013-14 school year, however, the organization expanded their service to Hillsboro students by offering an in-store shopping experience for middle school and high school students as well. The in-store experience allows students to shop at the Fred Meyer store on TV Highway during pre-determined times and spend up to $125 for the clothing they need. Because the store generously allows the students to access coupons, the value of what they receive is well in excess of $125.
This year, [Operation School Bell] has a new model in place where elementary school counselors are noting students’ size needs and their color/style preferences and submitting orders for the clothing. [Program] volunteers then compile the orders at the Assistance League Offices in Beaverton. Once a week, Hillsboro School District facilities staff pick up the orders and take them either directly to schools or to the District courier for distribution. Another change is that sixth-graders will be able to participate in the in-store shopping experience along with middle and high schoolers this year.
By the spring of 2016, 748 students in grades K-5 and 425 students in grades 6-12 will receive clothing through [Operation School Bell]’s generous sponsorship, which totals more than $115,000. Hillsboro School District is deeply grateful for their amazing support!
The Assistance League of Greater Portland is an all-volunteer organization that is always seeking new members and, of course, donations. In addition to Operation School Bell, they also run programs that support victims of domestic violence and provide life story books to foster children upon their adoption. They run a thrift and consignment store in Beaverton as their main source of income (4000 SW 117th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97005; 503-526-9300). For more information, please visit their website.
Author: Jane Siguenza
