Assistance League Of SLO County

            The Mission Statement for the league states, "...a non profit organization whose members are dedicated to serving families and children through its philanthropic program: Operation School Bell."  There are 75 members, all volunteers, who carry out the Operation School Bell program.  There is no paid staff.  The Operation School Bell program has a goal of clothing at least 1000 in need students from K through 6^th Grade.  The project, adopted in 1995, is based on the premise that children perform better in school when they have a positive self-image; to meet that goal, they provide school appropriate clothing, shoes, shirt, socks, jacket and a backpack throughout the county. 

            At their distribution points, they create a retail store atmosphere, the child, referred to them by the school or social services, selects their own wardrobe, they dress in the clothes making sure they fit and are color coordinated and leave with a new outfit.  Wardrobes are delivered to the child at their home if there is a reason that they cannot come to the store.  Last year they gave out almost 1300 sets of clothes in the County; around 500 in the 5 Cities area, 65 in the City of Grover Beach.  Stoneburg said, "You know why we do this when you see the kid's reaction and faces when they receive their new outfit." 

            Thanks to a benefactor, they recently introduced a new program, the Sue's Stars, that provides new clothing for middle school kids.  In both programs, they raise funds through chapter events, private contributors, foundations, service organizations and government grants.  Funds raised stay in the County.

            Last year their volunteers gave over 8,000 hours of time to the effort.  They are always looking for good volunteers.  It costs $80 to clothe one child.  For more information, to volunteer or donate: www.alslocounty.org.