We believe that warm winter coats improve grades.

About the program

Operation School Bell is the signature philanthropic program of Assistance League. At work in our local communities, we help to meet health, hunger and literacy needs by providing clothing, supplies and books. The execution of the program is determined by each chapter.

Each school year, we provide brand new winter coats, hats and gloves to elementary students in our local area. Working closely with school social workers, new outerwear is provided in September and October, including fittings to ensure the appropriate size.

why it’s important

Schools have communicated that the social and emotional impact of clothing is significant for an elementary student as well as a vital enhancement to the Social and Emotional Learning curriculum. A warm, properly fitting, quality winter coat is critical to a child's health and safety in the winter. Studies show that children who come to school inappropriately dressed are at a disadvantage. Appropriate school clothing can improve school attendance, help classroom performance and can help ensure a child remains fully engaged in school, including participating in the benefits of outdoor recess.

Operation School Bell® Winter Coats program supports students in the following local area school districts:

The program also supports two social services agencies: Family Shelter Services of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage and LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE).

“I received numerous messages from parents who greatly appreciated the care, support, and discretion shown in the planning and distribution of the winter coats…It is important to note that the coats from your agency were of very high quality. The coat recipients did not feel singled out or different…” Beth Willis, LCSW Holmes