Operation School Bell®

Since 1993, members of Assistance League of Ventura County, through Operation School Bell, have provided new school clothing, gift cards, personal hygiene kits, school supplies and a story book to economically challenged children in the Oxnard, Hueneme and Ocean View Elementary School Districts. In 2010, the program was expanded to include children from the Ventura Unified School District. Referrals are accepted from the school districts we serve. No private or individual referrals are accepted.

Since 2020, Operation School Bell provides each child a gift card for shoes, clothing or other essentials, a personal hygiene kit, school supplies and an age-appropriate book. Having new items of their own has increased confidence and self-esteem of these students and has given them a sense of belonging to the school community. Parents, teachers and administrators have commented on how proud and happy the children are to go to school with new clothes, many for the first time.

Operation School Bell is run entirely by chapter member volunteers who purchase the supplies and gift cards. More than 29,225 students from 46 elementary schools, who are always very appreciative of everything they receive, have benefited from this program since its inception.