Assistance League Coachella Valley

OPERATION SCHOOL BELL PROGRAMThrough Operation School Bell, new school clothes, shoes, hygiene kits, backpacks, and supplies are distributed to disadvantaged students attending public schools in the Coachella Valley.Last school year, the chapter provided new school clothes, shoes and hygiene supplies to 3,889 disadvantaged students attending 46 schools in three school districts. Additional students were reached through program expansion including distributing backpacks and school supplies, supplying middle school and high school students with shoes, clothing and hygiene items, and providing bedding, warm clothing and hygiene and school supplies to students from homeless situations. Additional clothing and supplies were purchased for inventory, enabling school administrators to distribute items throughout the school year as needs arose including the arrival of refugee students. Through a partnership with school nurses, 1,300 hygiene kits were provided to school nurses. The kits were used as teaching tools in Growth and Development classes for 5th graders and then distributed to students.Our belief is that children can do great things and rise above their circumstances if given the right tools to succeed. Operation School Bell reduces student anxiety and improves student confidence, attendance, and classroom behavior. Teasing and bullying is also reduced. Students are better prepared to learn, and can focus on school work rather than worrying about fitting in with their peers.

Frank Moss Scholarship for the Performing ArtsAssistance Leagues Frank Moss Scholarship for the Performing Arts program supports students by providing financial assistance to enable them to pursue their area of interest in the performing arts (vocal music, instrumental music, dance, theatre). Financial assistance is provided for use while the student is in high school. Funding can be for a broad range of services or purchases. Examples include private lessons, classes, and purchase of equipment or supplies. Participants in the program improve their performing arts skills, develop more confidence, and are better prepared to thrive in the future including more college opportunities.

We Care: Focus on Military FamiliesThrough our We Care: Focus on Military Families program, our Assistance League chapter provides support to military families stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Each year we host a Baby Shower luncheon for expectant mothers. We honor both active duty military personnel and spouses of active duty personnel. Carefully selected gifts worth approximately $500 are distributed to each participating mother-to-be. Twenty-five mothers-to-be were honored at this years event. The shower is Assistance League's way to thank military families for their service and a way to support mothers-to be who may be far from home during an exciting yet challenging stage of their lives.