As co-chair of our Operation School Bell^® Start Smart program JoAnn Stromberg has been busy this summer. When our partners said they needed help for students and families for the start of school, JoAnn stepped up. 

Richfield Schools requested thermometers for parents to have in their homes in order to test their children before coming to school each day. Smart Start stepped in and provided 250 thermometers.

“Our largest request to date came from the Minneapolis schools,” reported JoAnn. “They asked if we could provide school supplies to five different schools: Bethune, Sheridan, Cityview, Elizabeth Hall, and Nellie Stone Johnson.” The teachers and staff at the schools volunteered to pack up the items if Assistance League^® could get the items to the schools.  

JoAnn went online and arranged for the school supplies to be drop-shipped. As requested by the schools, the following supplies were delivered: pencils, pencil case, pencil sharpener, glue stick, eraser, ruler, washable markers (broad and fine tip), colored pencils, scissors (sharp and blunt tip), crayons, wide ruled notebooks and pocket folders. Across the five schools, over 1300 students received these supplies.  

Many of the students received the school supplies at Back to School events. Cityview held a drive-thru event at their school where teachers and staff greeted parents and students. School supplies packed in back packs and art supplies were handed out to the students while music played and banners flew. Jacqueline Starr of Cityview gave a cheer for Assistance League and thanked us for the supply donation and our continued support. 

The Smart Start team of JoAnn Stromberg, Betty Bullion, Kris Bjorklund, Kathy Flesher, and Mary Scott will continue to work closely with the school district partners. “The schools have great needs and always express a sincere appreciation for all that we do.”

THANK YOU, JoAnn, and the Smart Start team for all that you do!