Operation School Bell originated in 1958 in Bakersfield, California by Ruth Ann Montgomery. Our program, started in 1992, serves public school children in need ranging from Head Start through 12th grade within the Greater Placer communities. The Operation School Bell program provides new school clothing to eligible children who are referred by school personnel. Shopping for clothing takes place annually in the early fall and throughout the year as needed at a local department store. This program also provides new shoes, personal grooming kits, tutoring, backpacks and school supplies. In addition, "Books of My Own" provides third grade students with a personal dictionary of their own to promote literacy. Schools are assigned liaisons who work with them to implement Operation School Bell services. A new program we have just added is "Kids on the Block". This is an educational puppet program performed in schools to enlighten children about bullying, school safety and learning disabilities. |