EVERETT — They have replaced many pairs of graying socks.
Members of the Assistance League of Everett helped more than 4,600 students in pre-school through high school take home new clothes last year.
School buses drop off gaggles of kids at a building along Evergreen Way that has been converted into a clothing store. A large sign out front reads Operation School Bell. Each student is paired with a club member. Together, they wander through the store choosing new outfits at no cost.
Between 30 and 55 kids visit each day from schools throughout Snohomish County, as well as Skykomish and Camano Island.
“There’s a great need. Way more than I thought,” said Joanne Gunderson, president of the Assistance League of Everett.
Students snag socks, shirts, sweatshirts, coats and pants from the shelves. About 900 pairs of underwear are given out each week, said Donna Day, a club spokeswoman. Hygiene kits also are available with deodorant, shampoo, floss, a toothbrush and more.
Kids have asked Gunderson if they had to share their toothbrush with their siblings. They had never had their own.
“It’s something you don’t think about. It can be precious,” she said.
Assistance League members have started leaving the tags on the clothes. Kids get excited when they see the tags and know the clothes are brand new, co-chair Diane Pedack said.
She buys the clothes herself. She looks for styles that are popular among kids, such as basketball shorts, Seahawks shirts and pink skinny jeans. It’s a chance for kids to go to a store and shop for clothes that make them feel good, Pedack said.
Local knitters donate handmade hats and scarves.
Operation School Bell also provides a voucher for shoes. Buses swing by Payless Shoes on their way back to school.
High school-age children can participate in the Teen Retail program. Instead of shopping at the store along Evergreen Way, they go to Fred Meyer. For one mother, it was the first chance she had to take her daughter shopping, Day said.
The organization pays for the clothes with proceeds from estate sales and their thrift shop, which is located downstairs from Operation School Bell. Gunderson said it is known by their regulars as the Nordstrom of Snohomish County. Donated clothes, dishes, linens, books, furniture and more are sold.
One woman comes in every day to scout out treasures. She said she was able to fill nine auction baskets with items she found in the store for an Irish luncheon she hosted.
It takes more than 310 members to run Operation School Bell and the thrift shop. Each of them volunteer their time.
“Without the community, we couldn’t exist,” Day said.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
Learn more
Operation School Bell operates September through February. However, exceptions can be made during the off-season.
For more information, go to http://assistanceleagueof everett.org/osb.html.
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