Operation School Bell^®

Over 2,200 disadvantaged pre-K, elementary, and middle school children received uniform packages of new clothing, shoe vouchers, and hygiene kits at a total cost of over $120,000. Our program serves needy children in eighteen schools throughout the Spring Branch and Houston Independent School Districts. In 2006-07 the program was expanded to include Harris County Department of Education Head Start Schools; as well as Yellowstone Academy, a private Christian school in Houston’s 3rd Ward, which has the highest poverty rate per capita in all of Houston. During a two-day event 335 uniforms were provided to children, some of whom were members of families displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, at the request of Emergency Aid Coalition. Assistance League® volunteers were joined by thirty OfficeMax® employees to fill and distribute these much needed packages. Operation School Bell® program promotes self-esteem and self confidence in the children we serve, resulting in a more successful educational experience. During 2006 over 800 volunteer hours were provided to Operation School Bell® by Assistance League of Houston members. We are proud to celebrate our 40th year of service to the children of the Houston community!

Scholarship Program

Thirty-four students received more than $120,000 in scholarships in 2006-07. We have two scholarship programs, one for students who have learning disabilities and /or financial need and another that focuses on physically disabled students with financial need. The purpose is to make education and opportunity possible for deserving students. Students are selected from The Briarwood School, and Spring Branch and Houston Independent School Districts. Our physically disabled scholarship recipients are recommended by University of Houston Justin Dart, Jr. Center for Students with DisABILITIES and The Institute of Research and Rehabilitation. Assistance League® also awards scholarships through the Naomi Cross Dempsey, Joanne Davee, Elizabeth and Wayne V. Jones, and the D.L. Peveto Funds. Since 1971, the Assistance League of Houston Scholarship Program has given $1.1 million in financial assistance to over 500 students.

Kids on the Block^®

Over 2,100 elementary children have experienced the interactive puppet shows provided by our Kids on the Block® puppeteers. These shows provide education on such topics as water safety, obesity, and bullying. Our Puppeteer Troupe performed at seven schools in the Spring Branch and Houston Independent School Districts. The program will soon be expanded to include Yellowstone Academy, a private Christian school in Houston’s 3rd Ward, which has the highest poverty rate per capita in all of Houston. Through these puppet shows children discuss questions and situations which impact their daily lives. Over 400 volunteer hours go into this program!

Support for the Arts

This philanthropic program promotes the recognition of outstanding Texas artists and strives to increase public support for the arts. A juried art show that showcases the work of today’s artists, and presents opportunities for rising Texas artists to be discovered, is held each January. Winners are announced on the opening night of each annual art show and cash prizes are distributed. Assistance League of Houston volunteers process entry forms and photographic slides of art, communicate with artists, solicit/select a juror, provide arrangements for the opening night reception, and distribute show awards. Cash awards to the top three artists in 2006-07 totaled $8,250.

Celebration of Giving (service project)

This service project benefits Texas Children’s Hospital patients and their families who are burdened financially and emotionally during the holiday season. Assistance League® gives gift cards that are used by the families for food, toys, and clothing. Together with seven corporate and several individual sponsors, Assistance League of Houston provided thirty-two families with over $16,000 in gift cards at a Cookies and Punch Holiday Party in December 2006.