Rising inflation costs are creating financial challenges for countless households across the country. Challenged by high food and fuel prices, many parents struggle with higher than normal back -to-school costs. Through their Operation School Bell^®  program, Assistance League of Bend plans to provide clothes, coats and shoes to 10% more students in kindergarten through grade 12 versus last year.

Their back-to-school clothing campaign began at the Bend Walmart store on September 27 and will continue on various shopping days in Bend and Redmond through October 22.

The high school and middle school students shopped for new school clothes using $125 vouchers and the elementary students shopped for new clothes using $100 vouchers provided by Assistance League of Bend; a 25% increase over last year.  The vouchers were distributed to students in need by the Family Access Network advocates at each school.

In addition to meeting essential clothing needs, Assistance League of Bend has found that new clothes elevate a child’s self-esteem, help them feel more accepted by their peers, and empower them to learn. Children with better self-esteem are more likely to complete their education, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Contact osb@assistanceleaguebend.org  to learn more about the Operation School Bell program.