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Since 1994 Operation School Bell has
provided disadvantaged children in Tucson with appropriate clothing to encourage regular
school attendance and increase self-esteem. When children arrive at
Assistance League of Tucson's Philanthropic Programs Center next to the Chapter House on Alvernon,
they are greeted by volunteers who work one-on-one with each child to
provide them with clothes and supplies for school as shown on the mannequins
in this picture.
Luis
Carriόn from KUAT
spent the
day at Operation School Bell.
Click
here to view his
report on KUAT,
Channel
6 in Tucson.
Each child receives brand new clothes consisting of 2 pairs of
shorts, jeans or uniform pants, 1 hooded jacket, 3 shirts/blouses or uniform
shirts, 1 pair of athletic shoes, 6 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks.
They also receive one grooming kit which contains shampoo, soap,
toothbrush, toothpaste, and a comb. For school supplies they receive 1
back pack filled with a notebook, a ruler,
scissors, crayons, pencils, and erasers.
Children in grades K-5 are recommended by teachers,
school nurses and principals from schools in the districts of
Sunnyside, Tucson Unified School District, Amphitheater, Altar Valley, and Flowing Wells.
The participating schools in each of these districts is listed below. Children from Arizona Children's Association also are
included.
Annually over 3400 children receive clothing at an average cost of $70
per child. Our member buyers shop for the best values and buy in
bulk to keep costs down. The funding for Operation School Bell
comes from proceeds of various fundraising activities, our Thrift Shop
sales, donations and grants.
 The children are transported by school personnel to
Assistance League Philanthropic Projects Center where they enjoy choosing their new
clothing. When the children get off the bus, they come into a play
area with brightly colored chairs and tables where there are books, crayons and
paper for coloring as well as a television and computers with educational games.
The children are called into
the clothing and dressing area one at a time by a volunteer who works with the child to choose clothes, shoes, and jackets that
they like and that fit.
 Their new belongings are put into a
plastic bag with their name on it and they pick it up when everyone has
had a turn. While the children wait for their turn, there are many
activities to occupy them while they are supervised by the school personnel.
Tucson Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen
visited an Operation School Bell dressing in Spring of 2009.
“I was simply amazed the first time I
watched a bus load of my students arrive at Assistance League and leave
with brand new shoes, socks, coat, backpack, clothes, and more. It was
amazingly uplifting - the opportunity every teacher, principal and
superintendent wishes for each of their disadvantaged students.”
Read the complete story of her visit in the
TUSD April 2009 issue of Focus,
written by Sharon Dunham, Communications Specialist/Writer with
photographs by Jes Ruvalcaba from TUSD Communications and Media
Relations. We jumped for joy too to be able to show Dr.
Celania-Fagen our facilities and the results of our philanthropic
programs: lots of happy smiles!
The schools participating in the Operation School Bell program
are as follows.
ALTAR VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Robles
Elementary
AMPHITHEATER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Keeling Elementary
Nash
Elementary
Prince
Elementary
Holaway Elementary
FLOWING WELLS SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Centennial
Elementary
Hendricks
Elementary
Homer Davis
Elementary
Laguna
Elementary
Richardson
Elementary
Walter
Douglas Elementary
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Craycroft
Elementary
Drexel
Elementary
Elvira
Elementary School
Esperanza
Elementary
Liberty Elementary
Los Amigos
Elementary
Los
Ranchitos Elementary
Manzo
Elementary
Mission
Manor Elementary
Ocotillo
Elementary
TUCSON UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Borman
Elementary
Davidson
Elementary
Cavett Elementary
Corbett
Elementary
Hollinger
Elementary
Lynn
Urquides Elementary
Menlo Park
Elementary
Pueblo
Gardens Elementary
Roberts
Elementary
Smith
Elementary
Southwest
Family Health & Wellness Center (13 schools)
Van Buskirk
Elementary
Wright
Elementary
ARIZONA
CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION
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