Assistance League of Ventura County

Assistance League of Ventura County

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805-643-2458 | office@assistanceleagueventuracounty.org

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.

Operation School Bell Event at Tierra Vista Elementary School

On Monday, August 15, 2022 the Assistance League® of Ventura County brought their Operation School Bell® program to Tierra Vista Elementary School in Oxnard to distribute clothing and supplies for the new school year.

This program has been going strong since 1993, providing the necessities for children and families in the community.

As President Lori Nasatir expressed,” The goal of this program is to make sure children are going into their year equipped with not only clothing and supplies, but hopefully a new sense of confidence as well.”

On this occasion they provided clothing, books, and school supplies to over 450 students and family members.

The success of this event couldn’t have happened without the school staff and the many Assistance League® volunteers, including members from the Assisteens® and the Nancy R. Brandt groups (two auxiliaries within the organization).

Video by Brendan Daly of Brendan Daly Photography

Photos by Brendan Daly of Brendan Daly Photography

Above is a link to a video put together by one of our members. It shows the process of putting bags together for students that attend school in the Ventura Unified School District.

An inspiring video from the 2019 Connect conference in Las Vegas for the National Assistance League.