Flagship Program
Operation School Bell®(OSB)
New clothing and shoes for local students delivered with care, in partnership with Salem-Keizer School District and Chemawa Indian school.
A program that works.
Operation School Bell is the signature philanthropic program of Assistance League chapters nationwide. Locally, we partner with the Salem-Keizer School District and Chemawa Indian School to provide students in need with new clothing and shoes so they can show up to school ready to learn.
New Clothing
Each child receives new clothes and shoes selected just for them - never a hand-me-down.
Secondary Program
Middle and high school students can shop at a local store for their school clothes and shoes.
School Partnerships
School counselors identify students who would benefit most, and we coordinate scheduling and logistics.
Enhanced Services
Students enrolled in the McKinney-Vento program for houseless children and youth may access a second request for clothing and shoes, laundry vouchers, Subway vouchers, and grocery gift cards.
In the community
Faces of Operation School Bell
Students, volunteers, and families across Salem-Keizer.
How it works
- Chemawa Indian School and Salem-Keizer School counselors identify students who would benefit from the program.
- Chapter volunteers select requested clothing from a variety of styles for elementary students.
- Secondary students ask to shop at a local store. Chapter volunteers provide the store gift cards so the counselors can buy the selected clothing.
- Students return to school equipped and confident to learn.
Community impact
Each year OSB reaches 3,600+ local students, supported by thousands of volunteer hours and the proceeds of our retail shops and donor community.
Support OSB