2023 is here and the League is back with a resolution to serve more children than ever! This year we are offering TWO Wheels day a month!

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Operation School Bell helps impoverished children overcome barriers

LOS ANGELES — The cost of school supplies continues to affect many families nationwide. Operation School Bell is a program that seeks to help impoverished children overcome barriers by providing Los Angeles Unified students with necessities.

For many students, such as 9-year-old Keena Burton, wearing new clothes to school can be very exciting. Keena is one of 300 students in South Los Angeles who took a magical and free shopping spree for back-to-school essentials.

“I feel, like, fresh and a new star,” she said.

She patiently waited her turn to try on clothes, but what she was most excited about was her new shoes.

“My favorite thing about getting new shoes is that some people don’t have shoes, and I’m grateful for getting new shoes,” she said.

The event was made possible by Operation School Bell on Wheels, which is a 48-foot trailer that visits different school sites during the year. Each student is outfitted with school clothing, socks, and other supplies. Margaret Cherene says helping families in need is more important than ever.

“The poverty level in LA Unified schools is incredible,” Cherene said. “LA Unified was providing meals all through the pandemic to their families because of the huge need. We are just delighted to be back in person to being able to serve these kids.”

According to the National Retail Federation, families plan to spend an average of $864 on back-to-school supplies and 38% of consumers said they’re cutting back on shopping. James Nichols, a police officer volunteering at the program, said it’s important to strengthen the self- esteem of those students.

“A kid didn’t want to take his shoes off because he had a hole in his socks,” he said. “Hey Man. No problem. I got you. Here are some socks for you.”

As for Keena, she says this is a huge help for her family.

“I think they’ll be happy that I got this stuff, so they won’t have to keep paying,” she said. “And they’ll be happy that I’m reading more books now.”

(Excerpt from Spectrum News: https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/human-interest/2022/10/10/operation-school-bell)