​​Operation School Bell®
Empowering Children to Succeed
Dedicated to supporting children to start school prepared and proud!

​Many children in the Indianapolis community begin the school year without the basic items
they need - coats, school clothing, shoes, hygiene items and reading books.​ Every gift, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Please consider donating to be a vital part of caring in our community!
Operation School Bell - Apparel
2026-27 Goal: give school clothes to 3,400 children

Through our “Pack & Deliver” method, each child receives new clothes including: a winter coat, hat & gloves, two pairs of pants, four shirts, six pairs of underwear, six pairs of socks and a toothbrush. Each duffel bag is carefully packed according to the sizing information on the child’s referral form. Students from pre-K to 5th grade who attend Indianapolis Public Schools and the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, Washington, and Wayne Townships are referred by social workers.
A donation of $200 can fill two duffel bags
Operation School Bell - Beyond The Bell
2026-27 Goal: increase the number of schools served to 68

Beyond the Bell partners with school social workers to provide shirts, pants, underwear, socks and other items for emergency use. This helps students experiencing homelessness, mid-year transitions or other challenges stay in the classroom and focus on learning. We are adding 15 new schools for the 2026–27 academic year.
A donation of $100 can provide an inventory of clothing for a school
​Operation School Bell - Shoes
2025-26 Goal: help 2,300 children

​​New stylish and proper fitting shoes provide comfort, dignity and a sense of belonging. Each child who receives a new pair of athletic shoes is measured by school personnel using shoe measuring devices that we provide to ensure accurate fitting. School counselors identify and refer students from Pre-K to 5th grade.
A donation of $50 can provide a new pair of shoes
Operation School Bell - Reading Buddies
2025-26 Goal: and engage with 500+ children each semester

​Reading Buddies runs six weeks each semester - five weeks of classroom reading sessions, culminating in a book giveaway
session where each child selects a book to keep. Assistance League members read to first and second grade students attending five elementary schools in Washington Township. Each session is designed to support the statewide literacy goals and rates for the early years. The books are carefully selected, and our members are trained to read and discuss the books.
A donation of $25 can provide 8 children with a book to take home

​➡️WATCH ⬅️ the Operation School Bell video to learn more
Donate Now
Donate online securely using a credit card, PayPal, or ACH.   
Donor Recognition Policy
Assistance League of Indianapolis may wish to publish donor names grouped by value of the donation in community publications. If you prefer to remain anonymous for this donation, please contact the organization HERE.