Assistance League Scales Operation School Bell for 464,000 Students

The organization functions through a decentralized model, with local chapters collaborating directly with school districts to identify students in need. Volunteers facilitate the process, often accompanying children to retail partners like JCPenney to choose their own clothes. This approach prioritizes dignity and personal choice, ensuring that students do not just receive supplies, but feel a sense of belonging as they start their academic year.

National Assistance League Executive Director Judy Zulfiqar emphasizes that the program’s success relies on volunteers who understand the specific needs of their neighbors. The logistics of this outreach are supported by long-term corporate relationships and fresh contributions. JCPenney continues to host shopping events, while new partner Sikich has expanded its involvement beyond financial support. During a recent service initiative, Sikich employees assembled over 1,400 hygiene kits, demonstrating how corporate partnerships provide the necessary resources to reach children across the country.