Operation School Bell®: New School Clothes, Renewed Confidence
Every child deserves to feel confident walking through the school door. Operation School Bell provides new clothing to children in need, because how a child feels about themselves matters as much as what they learn.
Over 11,000 K-12 Students Clothed Since 2008
1,126 Students Served, Across 60 Schools and Charters in El Dorado County in 2025
When children don’t have adequate clothing, their confidence can suffer and they are more likely to miss school. Operation School Bell is here to help change that.
Every fall, the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) counselors identify students who would benefit from attending one of our Operation School Bell shopping events.
Students receive grade-appropriate shopping vouchers to pick out their own new school clothes.
The children leave with new school clothes, a grade level book, big smiles, and renewed confidence to be at school with their peers.
In 2025, over 50 volunteers gave 700+ hours to make Operation School Bell a reality. Their dedication ensures every shopping trip is filled with warmth and joy for our students.
We simply couldn’t create these life-changing moments without our incredible members and community.
Community Partners
El Dorado County Office of Education and Our Community United in Excellence
Allan Priest, an Advisory Council Member, teams up with member volunteers at Placerville Walmart shopping event.
Employees from a local U.S. Bank branch lend a hand at our South Lake Tahoe shopping event.
Representatives from El Dorado Community Foundation and county schools observe how their support truly makes a positive impact.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Making a Difference in the Lives of El Dorado County Students
“Simple things like shoes and toothbrushes—things we take for granted—our kids just don’t have. Our kids were so happy, and the parents were ecstatic, to get their vouchers and shop with their kids for the jackets, clothes, shoes, and even a new book.”
Katie Bongard, Counselor, South Tahoe High School
“My son grew four inches this summer and his foot grew two shoe sizes! I have a medical disability and was unable to work this year. My husband and I are just trying to keep a roof over our heads, so today was very helpful for our family!
Parent of student participating in Operation School Bell event
In today’s economy, there is such a great need for programs like this. One student thanked me profusely for the new clothes she had gotten. She shared that her mother had not been able to buy her anything new for school this year and that she was wearing used clothing that someone had given her.
JoAnn Hernandez, Counselor South Lake Tahoe Middle School
I am an 8th grader at South Lake Tahoe Middle School. I am currently in a group home in Tahoe and was able to participate in the Operation School Bell Program. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity that your organization gave me to find some new clothing. I do not receive a clothing allowance, and though I have gotten a few new clothes from the group home, the money I received today really, really helped. Especially with fall around the corner!
Student Name Withheld
“This was so cool. I really needed a new jacket and didn’t have one before”. “I got new shoes, this shirt, these cool pants and a sweater! My old shoes had holes in the bottom so now I won’t have shoes that leak when it rains!”. “I have never had a flannel shirt before, now I have two!”. You can see this was a very meaningful event for kids in real need. They were so happy to get things that most others simply take for granted.
Dick Williams, Superintendent and Principal of Mountain Creek Middle School, shared comments from his students
Our Heartfelt Thanks to the Stores and Clubs That Partner With Us
Walmart Placerville hosts 4 annual shopping events each year supporting 52 local Western Slope schools.
Target South Lake Tahoe hosts a shopping event to support 8 local schools.
Lake Tahoe Kiwanis Club participated to provide winter coats and socks.
Connect With Us
Andrea Kleinbardt, Operation School Bell Chair
New Shoes, Warm Coats, Bright Futures-All from Your Donations
How Operation School Bell Came to Be Over 75 Years Ago