Assistance League of Houston

Operation School Bell is the signature philanthropic program of the National Assistance League and one of the oldest and largest of ALH's programs in which school uniforms, new school-appropriate clothing, and school supplies are provided to economically disadvantaged schoolchildren. The objectives of this program are to clothe the children and provide school supplies. New clothing and school supplies makes it possible for them to attend school appropriately dressed and prepared, boosting each child's self-confidence, school attendance, and classroom performance. The program currently serves schools in the Spring Branch, Alief and Houston Independent School Districts, and Harris County Area I Head Start Schools. During the year ended May 31, 2023, 3,206 children received new school uniforms and PPE.

The annual holiday party was held at Ronald McDonald House this year, where gift cards were presented for food, clothing and other items to patients and their families. Families are sponsored by organization members, local businesses and individual donors. In December 2022, 66 patients and their families received more than $18,700 in gift cards through this program.

The organization's scholarship program awards scholarships annually to students in participating schools who have financial need, including some with physical and learning disabilities, and who have demonstrated scholastic achievement. The scholarships are intended to encourage committed students to pursue their education through high school and beyond. During the year ended May 31, 2023, 35 students received approximately $108,000 in financial assistance.

Assistance League Reads (formerly Head Start Readers) encourages literacy through our reading to children. ALH volunteers provide a Literacy Enrichment Program to students at Harris County Head Start schools and Tiger Trail School where 1,200 books were given to students and volunteers read to the children.