Since its inception in 1992, the Assistance League of the Eastside’s Operation School Bell program has provided new school clothes and shoes for more than 20,000 children in the Lake Washington, Bellevue and Northshore School Districts.

The program was back in full swing this month.

Throughout October, children in need have been identified by school counselors or teachers and treated to gift cards from local Fred Meyer stores. Selected elementary school children were given $100 to spend. Junior high students received $120. The students had to use the entire gift card amount on their scheduled shopping date and the money had to be spent on clothing or shoes, but they could pick out whatever they liked.

Operation School Bell chair Carolyn Vache was among many Assistance League volunteers who helped 139 kids from the Lake Washington School District to select and calculate purchases at the Redmond Fred Meyer store on the evening of Oct. 20.

“The clothing cost of the Operation School Bell program is $277,000,” Vache explained. “The money is raised through events, direct mail campaigns, grants, as well as individual and corporate donations.”

An Assistance League member’s husband, Dr. Mark DiRe, donated dental supply kits for the Operation School Bell students, too.

“Many times we hear from the kids, they are so excited that they no longer have to share a toothbrush,” Vache noted. It’s a powerful indicator that poverty does exist in communities like Redmond.

Also, said Vache, “We have about 40 knitters at the Redmond Senior Center, Fairwinds in Redmond and Cultured Purls in Issaquah that knit hats and scarves all year long, (which) the students can choose from, at no cost to them. The knitters have knitted over 2,000 hats and scarves this year.”

Einstein Elementary School counselor Candida Crane commended the way that Operation School Bell serves the diverse population at her school and elsewhere in the community.

Crane said the kids get a major mood lift from wearing something brand-new and stylish to school: “They come in, so excited, and say, ‘Mrs. Crane, look at my new pants, look at my new jacket!'”

Many organizations offer used clothing to children in need. But having a chance to personally select a new outfit removes some of the hurt of being disadvantaged or displaced, Crane and Vache agreed.

Some of the kids served by the program are living in foster homes or their families have lost possessions in fires or floods.

In a statement on the Assistance League Web site, Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent of the Lake Washington School District, remarked, “I’ve witnessed the positive interaction between students, parents and Assistance League volunteers, including Fred Meyer staff members. This valuable organization helps prepare students for school and provides a positive starting point for learning and academic success.”

In addition to Operation School Bell, the Assistance League of the Eastside sponsors programs to help assault and domestic violence survivors.

To learn more, call (425) 556-5106, e-mail eastsideinfo@assistanceleague.org or visit www.eastside.assistanceleague.org.