Since 1965, the volunteer members of the Anne Banning Auxiliary (ABA) have run Operation School Bell (“OSB”) a service of the Assistance League® of Los Angeles. OSB provides more than 6,700 underserved elementary-age school children in LA Unified School District (LAUSD) with new school clothes and supplies, enhancing their self-esteem and chance to succeed.
In addition to ordering, preparing, and organizing the shoes, clothing, and other items, we fundraise to purchase these items. Operation School Bell member volunteers contribute more than 25,000 service hours annually to make all this happen! We work one-on-one with the children, making sure that the clothing fits well and that each child feels valued and special.
No one likes to wear their poverty. For many children, attending school is painful and they drop out. Others attend irregularly, or never enroll because their parents can’t afford even the most basic items of school apparel. OSB helps children get to and remain in the classroom. We know that education is the best defense against the problems of poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse and crime.
We serve Los Angeles from our Hollywood facility and 12 different school sites each year
