Operation School Bell

About the program
No child should feel embarrassed just for being in need. But for many kids living in poverty, going to school without the basics—like shoes or a backpack—can be overwhelming. Some stop going altogether. Others miss school often, or never get the chance to enroll because their families simply can’t afford the essentials.
Operation School Bell (OSB) is here to change that. We believe every child deserves the chance to learn and succeed—and we know that education is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty.
Working with schools and community partners, we identify students who need extra support and invite them to a welcoming OSB experience. Our dedicated volunteers greet each child with kindness and help them pick out brand-new clothing, shoes, personal care items, a backpack full of school essentials, a book, and even a toy or game to take home.
But what they leave with is so much more—confidence, joy, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
The impact
169
In 1966 OSB served 169 children
100%
100% of the students surveyed show improved self-confidence, school attendance, and classroom behavior
9,847
Today, OSB serves nearly 10,000 children annually
Operation School Bell highlights
At Operation School Bell, every child gets the VIP treatment. We make sure each student—grades Pre-K through 5—feels seen, valued, and confident. By helping kids look and feel like they belong, we take the pressure off what they’re wearing so they can focus on what really matters: learning, growing, and being a kid.
When kids have what they need to show up every day, they’re more likely to stay in school, learn to read, and build a brighter future. And for many of them, OSB is full of meaningful firsts:
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The first time they’ve had brand-new underwear or their own toothbrush
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The first time they’ve picked out fresh, stylish clothes just for them
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The first time they’ve worn shoes that actually fit
These small moments spark big confidence—and that’s where the magic begins.

























Middle School & High School Emergency Closets
We understand that a child’s needs don’t stop at the 5th grade therefore this year we are piloting an emergency closet program for our Middle School and High School students!
Through this program, OSB provides an assortment of clothing, underwear, socks, hoodies, blankets, towels, and other personal care items to be on hand at student support offices so that underserved youth can choose the item or items they need most!
OSB was even lucky enough to provide skateboards to extremely grateful and excited youth! As many students live outside the radius for free LAUSD transportation, “anything with wheels” as one counselor put it, can make the difference in student attending class.

Operation School Bell on Wheels
In addition to offering the Operation School Bell program at our League Chapter House in Hollywood, we also bring OSB directly to the schools. We have a fully stocked 48-foot trailer that visits different school sites during the year. The trailer is designed to clothe students in a safe and friendly environment. Each student is outfitted with shoes, socks, underwear, clothing, personal care items, school supplies, a backpack, a book, and much MORE! OSB on Wheels delivers support efficiently to nearly 300 children per event!
Check out an interactive map of our program in action by clicking the bitton below!
Want to Learn More?
Contact us at:
Operation School Bell
6640 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
[email protected]
Request Service HERE
Get involved with Operation School Bell

Become a member volunteer of the League

Volunteering Opportunities
Since 1966, the volunteer members of the Anne Banning Auxiliary (“ABA”) have run Operation School Bell (“OSB”) a service of the Assistance League of Los Angeles that organizes, fundraises and provides critical need supplies to homeless and foster youth.

About Anne Banning Auxiliary

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