The Bellingham School District is working with the Assistance League of Bellingham and the Operation School Bell program to provide free, new clothes for elementary school children who qualify. The program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade who are eligible for the free and reduced-price meal plan through the school district.
As the winter season nears, children are in need of warm clothing. The Assistance League of Bellingham provides new clothing that children select:
- One winter coat
- One hat
- One pair of gloves
- One hooded sweatshirt
- Two pairs of jeans
- Two T-shirts
- Six pairs of socks
- Six pairs of underwear
- One toiletry kit (combs, a brush, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and soap)
- One shoe voucher for $20 to Payless Shoe Store.
Operation School Bell is a free program from the Assistance League of Bellingham that starts the first of September and runs until February. Qualifying children will "shop" at a boutique stocked with new clothes in their downtown Bellingham shop.
"The initial purpose of this program was to raise self-esteem for children. It definitely does that. It is a wonderful program," Patty Hoff, a district support coordinator for homeless families, said.
To qualify, children must be eligible or signed up for free and reduced-price meals. To sign-up for a free and reduced-price meal plan, or to see if you qualify go to the online free and reduced lunch application.
Parents or guardians wanting to apply for Operation School Bell must make an appointment through the school district. The Assistance League does not accept walk-ins.
Interested parents and children can apply by contacting Patty Hoff or Roxana Parise in student services at the district office:
1306 Dupont Street
Bellingham, WA. 98225
(360) 676-6524 or (360) 676-6523
For more information about the Assistance League or to support Operation School Bell, contact Assistance League Thrift and Gift:
1415 Cornwall
Bellingham WA 98225
(360) 738-2803
printer friendly