Operation School Bell® | Assistance League

Providing clothing to in need students in Whatcom County

We provide new school clothes to kids in need

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

We have partnered with Bellis Fair JCPenney to allow students and their families to shop together according to their own schedule. Each approved student receives a $125 gift card to purchase their school appropriate clothing. Any balance left on a gift card is returned to Operation School Bell by JCPenney to provide additional funds to be used for helping more students. We have a hard working team of school coordinators, JCPenney employees and Assistance League of Bellingham volunteers who consider it a privilege to help so many students in need and we all work together to make this happen.

15.5%

of eligible students were assisted (we want to serve more!)

$125

needed to clothe one student in grade K-12

2130

students clothed in Whatcom County

No matter how big or small, your donations help kids succeed

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Kids are given the confidence they need to succeed

New clothing has the power to elevate self-esteem, encourage school attendance, and improve academic performance. We are providing far more than just a new wardrobe—we are empowering young students to reach their full potential.

What's happening in your community

Operation School Bell: Clothing Students for Success in 2024-2025

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 […]

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We are so proud of our new banner representing all five of our philanthropies! Every time you shop or donate to our Thrift & Gift you help support these community programs!

Photo of Penney's Gift Cards on Wall at our shop

Why Are All Those Red and White Gift Cards on the Wall at the Shop?

Each red and white JCPenney’s gift card represents one student clothed in our Operation School Bell program. Last year we clothed 2,123 kids in total! Assistance League of Bellingham is best known for its signature program, Operation School Bell, which provides new school clothing to students in need in grades K through 12 in all eight Whatcom […]