"Operation School Bell" helps 10,000+ kids

Eighteen years ago the Assistance League of Pasadena began "Operation School Bell," a program which provides clothing and personal care items to needy elementary school students from the 17 elementary schools in the Pasadena Unified School District.

According to ALP member, Helen Pekney, the program began after a social worker commented that "children in low-income families are taking turns going to school because there aren´t enough shoes and clothes to go around."

In 1990, ALP began the OSB program, supplying 47 kids with clothing, shoes and personal care items that first year. Gradually the numbers increased.

Today, their goal is to help 1,000 students each year.

(School uniforms – white shirts/blouses with navy sweatshirts and pants, shorts or skorts – while not absolutely mandatory, are strongly urged by school principals for students in Pasadena public elementary schools.)

Funding for the Pasadena Chapter´s outreach program comes from grants (Rotary Club, Pasadena Women´s Club, Whole Foods and Vons markets, etc.), from their Treasure Fair Thrift Shop, and from individual donations.

One member of ALP donates children´s books for grades K-6th, making it possible for each child to take home a book.

Five years ago, the Assistance League of Flintridge began a partnership with Pasadena. They established a voucher program with Payless Shoes in which each child is given $20 towards shoes of their choice.

Flintridge raises the funds through their "Bargain Box" thrift shop in La Canada-Flintridge.

On October 8th, busses and vans from Jefferson and Willard Elementary Schools brought students to the Assistance League´s California House in Pasadena.

The kids were each paired with Assistance League volunteers from both the Pasadena and Flintridge chapters who measured them and helped them choose two each of the shirts, pants or skorts, a sweatshirt, a package of sox, another of underwear, and baggie containing toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and shampoo.

Portable dressing rooms were available if the kids needed to try on the clothes.

Then each child chose a book from a wide display and wrote their name inside to assure them it was really theirs to take home.

"It´s a huge deal to get a book," said OSB Chair Gay Redcay. "Sometimes they don´t believe they can actually take them home."

Afterwards, the kids sat at a table loaded with crayons and coloring books as well as platters of homemade cookies and bunches of grapes till everyone was got their supplies.

The shoe vouchers are processed for each child, but are sent back with the school´s Community Assistants.

"The gift-card size vouchers are too easily lost in those big plastic bags full of clothes," said Flintridge member Joyce Covey as she filled out the paperwork.

According to ALP Past President Gage Hewes, the 10,000th child was among Wednesday´s group, but to avoid possible embarrassment or jealousy, they didn´t want to make a big "deal" about any one student.

Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz made an appearance mid morning to support and encourage the Assistance League women and to shake hands with some of the kids. Members of the press flashed photos and interviewed him, as well as the Assistance Leaguers and students.

On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the fall, the Assistance League pf Pasadena welcomes groups of needy students from the Pasadena schools to the California House to receive their school outfits, but this is just one of the many philanthropic programs they sponsor.

The Assault Survivor Kit program provides clothing for women who have been sexually assaulted, and distributes these "care packages" through the San Gabriel Valley and the L.A. County/USC Medical Centers.

They also operate the Craft Fair Gift Shop across the courtyard where seniors can bring homemade craft items on consignment. (830 E. California Blvd in Pasadena)

The shop is currently full of beautiful baby items, home decorations, scarves, hats, purses and quilts, as well as seasonal Halloween decorations.

Their annual Christmas Opening Celebration is on Tuesday, November 4th and will feature Christmas decorations. Call (626) 795-4991 for information.

The Treasure Fair Thrift Shop is located at 3239 E. Foothill Blvd in Pasadena and offers an abundance of low-cost "gently used" merchandise. Call (626) 449-3326 for info.

The Flintridge Chapter is busy in the La Canada-Flintridge area, funding College Application Essay Workshops (for High School seniors) and a Fine Arts Academy for elementary kids, with classes in Drama and Instrumental Music.

They also make summer school possible for grades 1-8, by leasing school facilities, hiring teachers, and enrolling students.

All this is accomplished solely from monies raised at their Bargain Box Thrift Shop, located at 4607 Oakwood Ave, in La Canada-Flintridge.

Patronizing these Assistance League thrift shops and gift stores would be a fun way to help out in all these worthy programs… and come home with some wonderful true bargains as well.