The Columbia Pacific

Operation School Bell®

Building confidence and self-esteem in children

Assistance League of the Columbia Pacific is perhaps best known for our signature program, Operation School Bell which provides NEW school clothing to students in need in K-12. The program serves all five Clatsop County school districts; Astoria, Warrenton-Hammond, Seaside, Jewell. Knappa and Naselle in Pacific County. We clothe students two times per year; once in the fall and again in the spring. We partner with school Counselors, Principals and other school staff to decide who will participate, typically using the Free and Reduced Lunch program as a guideline.

Within Operation School Bell we also offer a Literacy Program. During their dressing each grade school student gets to select a book from our Literacy Library.

Sadly there are more children who need our help than our budget allows us to dress. This is the key reason we strive to increase our fundraising each year so that we can increase the number of children we can assist. We ask that you give generously. Wouldn’t it be great to help all of the children in need in our community?

Serving Grades K to 5

Children in K – 6 are a joy to serve. Armed with measurements for each child, our volunteers “shop” in our well stocked Assistance League warehouse, picking out their favorite styles and colors. There is nothing more rewarding than to see the huge smiles that brighten the children’s faces when they try on their brand new school clothes. Each child receives school appropriate:

Shoes, socks and underwear
Several shirts & pants
Hoodie or sweatshirt & a winter coat

We are shocked by the condition of little kid’s shoes. Shoes are so important and one of the items kids jump up and down about when they receive their new ones!

We go into the schools, measure the kids and ask about their favorite colors and designs. Delivering the perfect unicorn shirt can make all the difference and create big smiles!

After measuring we “shop” in our well stocked warehouse for each student. We try and find the colors and designs requested by the child. Then we take a big bag of clothing back into the school where they try on all of their new clothing. These are some VERY happy kids.

Serving Grades 6 – 12

Shopping “Events” are held at local retail locations where our volunteers serve as personal shoppers. Students choose their own clothing with a little help from their shopping assistant. Our volunteers reinforce how great they look in their new school clothes. Students also receive some hygiene products and are treated to lunch and treats during their shopping trip. Each student shops for school appropriate:

Shoes, socks & underwear
Several pants and shirts
Sweatshirt or a Hoodie
Specialty clothing for band or choir

Our volunteers anxiously await the students to arrive for their shopping event

Volunteers gather, get their shopping forms and are ready for the students to arrive for their shopping experience.

Some kids find it hard to shop and we do our best to help them find great clothes that they can wear to school. We also smile a lot and make sure that they know that they did a great job shopping!

Happy kids, happy volunteers and wonderful shared experience

We Believe

School teachers and counselors have told us that new clothing has the power to elevate self-esteem, encourage school attendance and improve academic performance. We are providing far more that just a new wardrobe – we are empowering young students to stay in school and reach their full educational potential.

Making a Difference in 2024-2025

1,000

Children Served

Putting Smiles on faces

$155,000

$ Spent on program

Helping our Community

17

# of Schools served

100% of Public Schools

Support This Program!

Your generosity helps put smiles on the faces of kids in our community

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