Operation School Bell is the signature philanthropic program of Assistance League across the United States.  The program provides new school uniforms and clothing to children identified as “in need” by their schools. Each child is individually fitted by chapter members and provided with: 4 shirts, 2 pants, 6 pair socks, 6 underwear, shoes, sweatshirt, jacket, toiletries, backpack, school supplies, and age appropriate books.  Currently we serve students in grades K-8 from the Arcadia, Alhambra, Garvey, Monrovia, Duarte, San Gabriel, Temple City and Rosemead school districts.  Operation School Bell has assisted more than 30,000 children in need with clothes and school supplies since 1970 and clothed over 1,000 this past year.

The Days of Service events range from hosting a Book Drive to benefit Operation School Bell and Links to Learning, and supporting transitional age youth in the foster system. We partner with local charities such as Elizabeth House, Union Station Pasadena, Trinity Youth Services, Chap Care Clinics, Almansor Center, and Foothill Unity to provide specific items of need.

The second Day of Service Project: “Next Step,” supporting youth exiting foster care takes place each spring.  Working with local nonprofit agencies, such as Five Acres and Sycamores, that support teens exiting foster care, Assistance League of Arcadia provides duffle bags filled with necessary items to face independent life.  

Assistance League of Arcadia provides personal cards or letters and a lotion several times a year to senior citizens at local assisted living facilities.