Operation School Bell®

Operation School Bell is the signature philanthropic program for more than 120 chapters and guilds across the United States. It was founded in 1958 with humble beginnings as a clothes closet in a Los Angeles schoolroom. Ruth Ann Montgomery, then a teacher, discovered that members of one family were alternating their days in school because they had to share clothes.

In 2009-2010, Assistance League of Houston clothed more than 5,700 Pre-Kindergarten and elementary children in Houston Independent School District, Spring Branch Independent School District, Child Advocates, Inc., Emergency Aide Coalition, Yellowstone Academy, and all Pre-Kindergarten students in the Harris County Head Start program with a budget of $238,000. Each child received a uniform package consisting of 3 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, a windbreaker, 6 pairs of socks, 6 pairs of underwear, a shoe voucher and a hygiene kit.

School counselors identify children who qualify for uniform packages based on an established criteria. Please see your child's school counselor for qualifying requirements. Requests for uniform packages must come through your child's school counselor or principal.

The Operation School Bell program promotes self-esteem and self-confidence in children resulting in a more successful education experience. For many children these are the first new school clothes they have ever worn. We are proud to celebrate our 42nd year of service to the children in the Houston community.