Operation School Bell^®

Assistance League of Bellingham is best known for our signature program, Operation School Bell, which provides new school clothing and shoes to students in need in K through 12 grades.  Operation School Bell serves eight local school districts; Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Meridian, Mt. Baker, Nooksack and Lummi.  Each district is allotted a specific number of “slots” based on enrollment.  The school district homeless liaison coordinators, who work with low income and homeless families, select the students who participate in Operation School Bell.

We partner with JCPenney to allow students and their families to shop together.  Each student receives $125 to select school appropriate clothing and shoes.  It is a wonderful experience for our volunteers to hear the happy voices and see the excitement in the children as they pick out new clothes for the school year ahead.  JC Penney employees, school coordinators and Assistance League members all work together to make this happen.

Enrichment Scholarship Program

The Enrichment Scholarship program provides summer scholarships to middle and high school public school students in Whatcom County. Students may apply for summer enrichment camps in a variety of areas such as: music, science, art, debate, technology, dance, leadership and many others.  These scholarships are merit based; not based on financial need.  So, receiving one not only helps make it possible for the recipient to attend an enriching summer program, but it can also be listed on future college applications, which is an important factor in today’s competitive environment.

Teen Team

Teen Team is a program that supports two populations; homeless high school students who are enrolled in school, and foster children. High school students are identified by the homeless liaison coordinators in each school district. We also provide vouchers to homeless teen who are enrolled in the Whatcom Intergenerational High School which is a charter school in the county. The students are given a $150 voucher to shop on their own at Fred Meyer Lakeway. Teen Team formed a working relationship with Northwest Youth Services, an organization that serves homeless teens who are enrolled in school.

We also have a relationship with Skookum Kids. Skookum Kids receives children who are removed from their homes by Child Protective Services or the police for emergency and safety reasons. We provide $150 vouchers to Fred Meyer for the Skookum Kids staff or the foster parent to purchase clothing for the child.

Care Center Support

The Care Center Support program has evolved over 19 years serving residents in eight Whatcom County care centers without family or friends to remember them on special occasions.  Working through the Activities Directors, Assistance League of Bellingham fulfills personal Christmas wish lists, sends birthday cards and delivers special springtime treats to brighten the spirits of these residents.

Books and Beyond

Books and Beyond, formed in 2021, is the newest philanthropic program of Assistance League of Bellingham serving infant though 12th grade. The purpose of this program is to coordinate with local school districts as well as other local nonprofits for the promotion of literacy programs.

Eating Healthy

The Eating Healthy program provides scholarships to Whatcom County students from preschoolers through 8th grade who wish to participate in camps and activities designed to encourage growing and eating organic fruits and vegetables.

We are partnering with a local nonprofit Common Threads Farm which is dedicated to “growing good eaters” by exposing young children to the joy of eating fresh produce.