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Each year, thousands of families struggle to provide even the basics for their children, for example a warm winter coat or a properly fitting pair of shoes. The mission of Operation School Bell is to provide economically disadvantaged school children with new school uniforms, clothes, jackets, shoes, school supplies, books, and hygiene kits. By providing proper clothing and learning materials, Operation School Bell helps children arrive in the classroom better prepared to learn. Not surprisingly, schoolteachers and counselors see an immediate difference in the emotional state of the children assisted by Operation School Bell. They report that the children, who participate in Operation School Bell, tend to miss fewer days, work harder on their studies, and participate in extracurricular activities. This behavior can only aid the children as they grow. We hope this renewed self-confidence will help to instill the importance of staying in school and receiving a high school diploma. Hopefully, in the future, when they recall the actions of Assistance League of Indianapolis and its charitable supporters, they may lend a helping hand to economically disadvantaged students in their community.
Children are referred from IPS and the MSD's of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, and Washington Townships. Children are selected by school personnel and meet financial qualifications at or below the poverty level. The children are bussed by their school districts to the shop where they are met by Assistance League volunteers and accompanied individually to select their new clothing and supplies.
On August 21, 2008, children began visiting Operation School Bell. The goal was to provide 2,750 disadvantaged children with new uniforms, other clothing and supplies through out the five
Each child received:
In addition:
Uniform children received:
Non-uniform children received:
Note: Uniforms are provided when required by the schools.
We purchase new clothing and supplies from the Off Price Apparel and Magic Apparel Shows, local retailers, and through National Assistance League's vendor list at discounted prices. Clothing and supplies are procured at a cost of approximately $110 to $115 per child. Shoes and socks are provided at a cost of approximately $24 per child.
One mother told us:
Funds to support Operation School Bell and our four other philanthropic programs are raised through private gifts, grants, donations and fundraising events. Assistance League is especially grateful for the sustaining support of several foundations and businesses, including: The MCR Charitable Foundation, Inc., for funding the duffle bags for the past several years; The Clowes Fund, Inc., for funding a multi-year grant; the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust; and many others for their financial support to Operation School Bell. Donations from these businesses and foundations have enabled the continued growth of Operation School Bell.
Letters from children who visited Operation School Bell:
View a short video about Operation School Bell.
This division of Operation School Bell provides new athletic shoes and socks for disadvantaged elementary and middle school children from Indianapolis Public Schools and the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, and Washington Townships. Over 17,800 new athletic shoes have been distributed since the program's inception in the year 2000. New athletic shoes and socks are purchased from a local shoe retailer at a cost of approximately $23.
During the past school year, the Shoes Division gave new athletic footwear and socks to 2,542 economically disadvantaged students from IPS and MSD of Lawrence, Pike,
Through a partnership with Kroger Co., their employees and especially a financial donation from the Moeder family the Shoes Division was able to provide every student from IPS school 46, with new dress code approved athletic shoes and socks. This partnership made it possible for 324 underprivileged children to receive new athletic footwear.
"As we looked for an existing program to help meet a common need for the children, Assistance League came very highly recommended by other non-profit organizations we work with in the community. After seeing the program's impact in its first year at School 46, I went home and enthusiastically shared details with [my wife]. We decided to fly our son back to Indianapolis and the three of us would personally donate shoes to every student at School 46. [We] were very proud watching [our son] talking to the students, putting new shoes on their feet and reminding each of those children that someone cares about them. This may be the happiest Christmas we've ever celebrated together and the greatest gift we've ever given each other." Bob Moeder, President of Kroger Co., Central Division
If your family, businesses or organization would be interested in a joint venture with Assistance League to adopt underserved students at a neglected school, please contact us at Philanthropic@alindy.org. Assistance League hopes to continue and develop additional cooperative relationships with others in our community.
| In October 2008 and February 2009, Assistance League volunteers coordinated the program with school personnel. Shoes are purchased from a local shoe retailer at a discounted price. Assistance League members volunteer along with employees from the shoe retailer to assure a proper fit for each child. | ![]() |
Reported stories from Assistance League volunteers:
School personnel who referred the children are overwhelmingly supportive of this program. Many of them have written to us to convey their appreciation and tell of the difference a new pair of shoes can make in a young life. According to three of these social workers:
Thank you for the shoes. They are cool. They aren't tight. They fit just right and the part I like about them is the bottom. It helps me get a better jump in gym class. The silver part is the other part I like. These are one of the best pair of shoes.
Thank you for the shoes. I really like them. They are very cool!
A Fifth Grade Student
View a short video about Shoes: A Division Operation School Bell.