WELCOME to Assistance League

Photo by Johanna King

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Superintendent Winston Brooks visited Assistance League of Albuquerque this week to learn more about Operation School Bell^®, which provides school uniforms for thousands of APS students each year.

The chapter's largest program, Operation School Bell will provide three shirts, three pairs of pants, a package of socks and shoe vouchers to more than 3,000 students at 34 elementary and middle schools in APS. Money to finance this program comes from the organization's thrift shop, fundraisers, grants and direct appeals to the business community and organizations by Assistance League of Albuquerque members.

"Kids can't get on with the business of learning if they have to worry about not having the appropriate clothes for school," said Brooks. "That's why we so appreciate organizations like Assistance League of Albuquerque, which provides school uniforms to thousands of our neediest students."

During the superintendent's visit, volunteers with Assistance League were packaging uniforms for distribution at schools.

The Operation School Bell uniform program began in 1999, in response to requests from APS officials to help clothe children in need. Assistance League of Albuquerque joined over 100 other Assistance League chapters across the country in implementing a program of providing uniforms for students. The local chapter works in coordination with the APS Join-a-School and the individual school principals and counselors who select student participants based on their qualification for the Federal Free and Reduced School Lunch Program.

Starting at the beginning of the school year, school representatives measure students and fax Assistance League their orders, which are filled by volunteers. Then the school personnel pick up the packages and deliver them to the students. Assistance League will have uniforms available daily through September, then twice a month during October, November, January and February.

"We are filling a niche that no one else is addressing, and we always welcome donations to help APS elementary and middle school students maximize their opportunities to learn by being ready to come to school," said the chapter spokeswoman Toots Obenshain, Operation School Bell chairperson.

GERANIUM SALES!  Thanks to the community support and the many volunteers who help in this successful effort.  Proceeds from this fundraiser benefits Operation School Bell to buy uniforms and supplies for the upcoming school year for the many children in need in the Albuquerque community.

Hours of operation:  Tuesday  through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Donations accepted Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

NO SALES ON MONDAYS. Monday is set aside for cleaning and restocking.

Assistance League  of Albuquerque, a chapter of National Assistance League^®, is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian all volunteer organization with nearly 300 dedicated members working to make their Albuquerque community a better place to live, work and raise families.  We are just one of more than 120 chapters and guilds nationwide who give thousands of hours of volunteer service to their respective communities.

We continue to undertake nine (9) philanthropic programs which are funded by tax-deductible donations, grants, memorials and honorariums.  The Albuquerque community benefits from the funds raised, and our all-volunteer membership continues to fulfill the needs of many men, women and children in the Albuquerque area.  The Bargain Box Thrift Store is the major ongoing fundraiser of Assistance League of Albuquerque.