My Nonprofit Reviews

Can you imagine not having your own warm winter coat? Wearing a sweatshirt that belonged to your Dad to school, as a fourth grader, because you’re cold and outgrew your own?

This is the reality that faced many of my students as they approach the winter season.

Each year, Assistance League of the Eastside through their program, Operation School Bell, provides over 3,000 children in three local school districts with a gift card to Fred Meyer to purchase the clothing they most need.

As a retired Principal in the Lake Washington School District, I got to see first hand the incredible impact Operation School Bell had on my students. My students would run up to me to show me their new coat or winter boots. They proudly showed me their new mittens and hats.

One young student whispered to me that she slept in her coat and that she never wanted to take it off as it was so warm.

This is the life changing impact that the Assistance League of the Eastside made in the lives of my “kids.”

As a retired teacher and principal in the Lake Washington School District, I have seen first hand the great impact that Operation School Bell had on my students in providing new clothing to wear to school. The elementary students would excitedly show me their new shoes and clothes. The smiles on their faces warmed my heart.

Recently, I joined the Assistance League of the Eastside and was able to be a part of assisting parents and their children in picking out new clothing and shoes for school. This program came full circle for me. The impact of Operation School Bell is extraordinary!

From the excited faces of the children choosing new clothing and the appreciation from their parents, to the following day where children would run up to me and say, “Look at my new shoes!” THIS PROGRAM CHANGES LIVES!