October is always a rewarding time for the all-volunteer members of Assistance League of the Eastside as they see the results of a year of fundraising come to fruition through their largest program, Operation School Bell.

The program, which consists of local shopping events organized by volunteers, helps more than 2,650 children in need. The children are selected by school personnel, from the Lake Washington, Bellevue and Northshore school districts — including schools in Redmond.

Students, accompanied by adult family members, are scheduled to shop on specific evenings at the store nearest to their school. Chapter members and community volunteers assist the families throughout the experience, helping with their selections and calculating their totals.

The Assistance League provides a gift card, given by chapter members to the cashiers at checkout. The entire gift card amount must be used on the scheduled shopping date and only purchases of school appropriate clothing and shoes are permitted.

The league supports the belief that new school clothing, and the resulting increase in self-esteem and school attendance, contributes to a strong foundation for a child’s successful educational experience.

“It is my pleasure to fully endorse and support the work of Operation School Bell,” said Lake Washington Superintendent Chip Kimball. “Assistance League has consistently and effectively provided for students and families in our community and is an integral component of our work with children. I believe the work of Assistance League of the Eastside represents invaluable support to the children of Lake Washington School District…This valuable organization helps prepare students for school and provides a positive starting point for learning and academic success.”

Through Operation School Bell, students also receive a complimentary hygiene kit, donated by a local dentist, and get to select a one-of-a-kind, hand-knitted scarf or hat. Members and volunteers knit year-round to provide stylishly attractive knitted accessories from which the students get to choose.

“It’s truly something they picked out as their own style and they feel really confident coming to school looking like any other kid,” said school counselor Maureen McDermott.

For more information about Operation School Bell click here.