Operation School Bell® provides new clothing, books, school supplies, and health kits to qualified preschool and elementary school children in the Goleta Union School District, Head Start and LEAP Preschool program, among other programs. It is one of four philanthropic programs run by Las Aletas.
Las Aletas was formed in 1964 to offer volunteer opportunities to the daughters of Assistance League® members. Today, the organization has 73 volunteers who devote their time and talents to: Operation School Bell®, Kids on the Block, Teen School Bell, and Operation Bookshelf.
Operation School Bell® can be found in a red bungalow near the Goleta Community Center. It has been transformed into a children’s clothing store. Referred by their schools, children arrive by appointment to make their selections of new clothing – including socks, underwear, jackets and sweatshirts – with a total retail value of about $200 per student. The items, all new, are purchased with proceeds from the Assistance League’s Thrift Shop in Santa Barbara. For many of these students, it is their first time receiving brand new clothes.
Personal shopping with the children is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Las Aletas. It is hands-on philanthropy at its best! Many volunteers say it’s the best part of their week.
Las Aletas, with support from the Assistance League® of Santa Barbara, also serves 600 to 800 elementary school students in the Santa Maria area. Pre-packed tote bags, each individually personalized, are transported by volunteers to the North County for distribution to students selected by school personnel.
This year, the Assistance League® of Santa Barbara celebrates 75 years of service to the community. The Thrift Shop at 1259 Veronica Springs Road funds all four Las Aletas philanthropies, as well as the 16 philanthropies of the Assistance League® of Santa Barbara. The Thrift Shop is open for donations and sales on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For further information about Operation School Bell® or Las Aletas, contact Lori Baur at lori.baur@cox.net.
Volunteers inside the Operation School Bell building
Operation School Bell children’s clothing store
Staff at one of the Goleta Schools accepting bags of new clothes from a Las Aletas Volunteer
Volunteers at the Thrift Shop