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Operation School Bell®
Helping children in need succeed

For most children, the first day of school is filled with excitement and anticipation of new friends and adventures. They arrive in the classroom with new school clothes, new school supplies and are ready to learn. 

However, for a growing number of Indianapolis children, the first day of school is filled with anxiety or disappointment. They might be fearful of other students diapproval because their clothes are tattered, don't fit properly or they don't have the needed school supplies.  Some are not allowed to attend school until they meet a dress code.  The school items Operation School Bell provides for these economically disadvantaged children helps to build personal confidence and enables the students to focus on learning, thereby preparing them for a better future.

Operation School Bell
Operation School Bell, our initial philanthropic program, began in the 1984-85 school year and since it opened, the program has now provided clothing and school supplies to over 32,084 Indianapolis school children.  From mid-August through November the children are bused to the Service Center for Indianapolis Public Schools and chaperoned by school personnel.  In our "shop" Assistance League members act as personal shoppers, one-on-one with each child, allowing the child to select from an array of colors and styles in their size.  All of these items are placed in a new duffle bag for making it easy to carry home.
 
 
 
 

 

How We Make A Difference

  

Who We Give To
School personnel refer economically disadvantaged, elementary students from five school districts in Marion County, Indiana to our Operation School Bell shop.  We serve students in grade K - 6th from the Indianapolis Public Schools and grades K - 5th from the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren and WashingtonTownships.
 
Last year 2,855 children, from 90 schools, were referred by school personnel.  Our goal for the fall of 2010 is to provide clothing and school supplies to 2,900 disadvantaged students.

 
What We Give

Each child will personally select the following:
 

  • 1 Winter jacket
  • Hat, scarf and gloves set
  • 6 pairs of socks
  • 6 pairs of underwear
  • 2 pairs of navy or khaki pants, jumpers, or skorts
  • 2 shirts
  • 1 Belt
  • 1 Sweatshirt
  • School supplies (includes crayons/markers, glue, pencils, notebook, ruler, and a folder)
  • Hygiene supplies (includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant)
  • 2 age-appropriate books

The estimated retail value of the new clothing and supplies received is $200.

How You Can Make A Difference
You can help a child prepare for school with a new warm winter coat and school clothes, shoes and supplies for a donation of $115. 

 Donate Now!

Your Donation Helps Our Community

Monies realized from our fundraising efforts are returned to the community through our four philanthropic projects.  Services are made possible through private gifts, grants, and donations.  During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, eighty eight cents of every dollar spent went to support our programs to help the underserved in the greater Indianapolis area.

Assistance League of Indianapolis is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 Donate Now!

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about Assistance League of Indianapolis or in making a charitable contribution please contact us at:

Assistance League of Indianapolis Northbrook Center 1475 W. 86th St., Suite E Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317.872.1010 Fax: 317.872.1542 Email:
President@alindy.org

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