Assistance League of the Eastside is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through community-based philanthropic programs to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults touched by hardship or violence.

Operation School Bell is a national program of Assistance League; all 126 chapters across the United States participate in this program in one form or another.

At the heart of the Operation School Bell program is the belief that new clothing, and the resulting increase in self-esteem and school attendance, contributes to a strong foundation for a child’s successful school experience.

The local chapter’s program began in 1992 by serving 60 students in one school and has expanded this year to serve over 2700 students in 47 schools in the Lake Washington, Bellevue and Northshore school districts. It has moved from a trunk show with gently used clothing in a school portable to the current use of gift cards at evening shopping events at three local Fred Meyer Stores.

The National Operation School Bell Award is given to honor those in the community, who through significant financial, in-kind or service support, have had a direct, powerful and positive effect on Operation School Bell, thus warranting recognition from National Assistance League.

At its recent fund raiser, “Run for the Roses,” a Kentucky Derby Luncheon and Fashion Show, Assistance League of the Eastside was delighted to honor one of its long-time local donors who has consistently supported the Operation School Bell program on the Eastside.

Operation School Bell Committee chairman Mavis Goetsch presented the National Operation School Bell Award to Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop President, Jody Orbits. Since 1993, Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop has donated over $83,000 to the chapter in 29 separate gifts.