About OPERATION SCHOOL BELL®

HISTORY: OPERATION SCHOOL BELL® began in Los Angeles when a teacher, Mrs. Ruth Ann Montgomery, noticed that three boys from one family came to school on a rotating basis. She discovered that the children came to school based on who got to wear the available clothes for that day. Nothing fit very well. She gathered cast-offs from her friends and family and opened a “Clothes Closet” giving out clothing to these children so they could all attend school regularly.

In 1954 Mrs. Montgomery moved to Bakersfield and organized a program called NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE®. At that time OPERATION SCHOOL BELL® became the national philanthropic project of NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE®. By then it was decided that the children should receive new clothing rather than used clothing to avoid being stigmatized by their classmates.

ALSV’s OSB program provides children in need with new clothing, uniforms, shoe vouchers, backpacks with school supplies, hygiene kits and warm jackets. View a detailed list of items and information on how to donate.