Another school year has begun, and with the help of a longtime Snohomish County organization, thousands of kids will be able to go back to school with new clothes.
On Sept. 12, Operation School Bell marked the start of its 40th year of opening its doors to clothe low-income children.
Operated by the Assistance League of Everett, School Bell serves children in 14 Snohomish County school districts.
Children from preschool through high school are referred School Bell by their schools. At the School Bell store, Assistance League volunteers help the children select new school outfits, including shirts, jeans, sweat pants, underwear, socks, a winter jacket, a hat, gloves and a toiletry kit.
In some school districts, children are also provided with a voucher to purchase shoes through Payless Shoes.
Last school year, about 2,450 children were clothed through Operation School Bell. The Assistance League expects similar numbers this school year.
Cathy Jordan, Operation School Bell chairwoman, said the organization has received numerous gifts and grants that go directly toward the purchase of children’s clothing.
It costs about $100 to clothe each child. Because Operation School Bell is able to purchase clothing wholesale and work with some generous vendors, each child actually receives the equivalent of about $250 worth of clothing.
“It provides the student with a good start for school,” Jordan said.
Operation School Bell also receives funding from the Assistance League thrift shop, at 5107 Evergreen Way in Everet. The thrift shop is run by volunteers with no paid staff and welcomes donations of clothing and household items.
Clothing kids
Assistance League of Everett is an all-volunteer organization whose community outreach programs, including Operation School Bell, which clothes children, have helped kids, teens and adults in Snohomish County since 1965. Call 425-252-3011 or go to http://everett. assistanceleague.org.
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