Assistance League of Bend, is providing new clothing to over 2,000 kindergarten through grade 12 students this fall through their Operation School Bell® program.
This back-to-school clothing campaign will take place at the Redmond and Bend Walmart stores on various shopping days in October. Students will shop for new school clothes using vouchers provided by Assistance League of Bend through community fundraising, donations, and grants.
The Family Access Network advocates at each school distribute Assistance League of Bend’s vouchers to students in need.
Assistance League of Bend continues to see a rising need to provide local children with basic clothing items.
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.
This little boy in the photo was so thrilled not only with his clothes, but for the nifty $1 backpack that Walmart made available to the kids on Saturday. He was so excited. He jumped out of the cart, grabbed a member’s leg and gave her a kiss. He thanked the volunteers numerous times. He reminded us of the impact we are making. What an honor to serve our community.
