Operation School Bell (OSB) is thrilled to announce the successful launch of our 2024-2025 program, bringing warmth and dignity to students across Whatcom County. Thanks to a generous budget increase and overwhelming community support, we’ve expanded our reach and impact this year.

 Program Highlights

• Increased Support:  We’ve purchased 2,044 JCPenney gift cards, each valued at $125, allowing us to serve more students than ever before.  Our dedicated volunteers organized two work parties to prepare the gift cards, applying unique ALB labels and recording numbers for accurate tracking. We aim to distribute cards to all Whatcom County School Districts by the third week of September, ensuring students start the school year prepared.
• At the Bellingham School District Block Party on August 24th, five OSB committee members helped sign up 500 families along with the help of school volunteers. 
• One grateful mother shared that OSB was the sole reason her son had a winter coat for the past two years, highlighting the critical need our program fulfills. 

How it works:
  1. Gift cards are divided among eight school districts based on National School Lunch Program data for Whatcom County.
  2. Out of 26,476 total students in the district, 13,201 are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
  3. School family coordinators determine which families receive the gift cards.
  4. Volunteers deliver card packets to schools, with usage beginning September 12th.

Our success is only possible through the generosity of our community:  Funding comes from thrift shop sales and donations. At recent events, we’ve seen an increase in community members offering to contribute to the program, potentially bringing in new Thrift Store shoppers and members.

While we’re proud to assist 2,044 students this year (about 15.5% of eligible students), we aspire to do even more. We’re continuously working to expand our reach and support more families in need.

Operation School Bell has been a labor of love, and we’re excited to see the fruits of our efforts as students begin using their gift cards this September. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our tireless volunteers and generous community supporters who make this program possible.

Together, we’re not just providing clothes; we’re investing in the confidence and success of our community’s youth.