Assistance League of Bend is the leading provider of new clothing for children in need throughout Deschutes County, where one in ten children live below the poverty level. For more than 35 years, this all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit has been dedicated to improving the lives of local children and adults through hands-on service and community-based support.
At the heart of its mission is Operation School Bell. This year we will provide more than 2,700 students with brand-new school clothes, shoes and coats. Children select items that fit and reflect their personal style, fostering dignity, confidence and a sense of belonging. The benefits extend well beyond physical comfort — new clothes nurture emotional well-being, boost self-esteem, reduce the likelihood of being bullied, improve school attendance and inspire success in and out of the classroom.
In addition to Operation School Bell, Assistance League of Bend offers several other vital programs that support children and adults experiencing hardship:
- Emergency Clothing Bundles — In partnership with Every Child Central Oregon, children entering foster care receive essential clothing items that bring warmth and comfort during a difficult transition.
- Cinderella’s Closet — A “boutique” that offers high school students free formal wear and accessories to borrow so they can participate fully in milestone events like prom.
- Literacy Initiative — Distributes new, age-appropriate books, both in English and in Spanish, to underserved children to improve reading skills, promote early learning and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
- These Kids Are Cookin’ — A series of four after school classes taught to students in low-income elementary schools focusing on nutrition, kitchen safety and basic cooking skills.
- Breakfast with Santa — Foster children and their families enjoy a festive holiday celebration at a local restaurant, complete with a plush toy and a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Hats & More — Handmade hats, shawls and other comfort items for cancer patients, the homeless and low-income children.
- Senior Caring — Provides complimentary personal care items and handmade cards to low-income seniors in 18-memory care and assisted living facilities. Personalized holiday gifts, based on each senior’s wish list, are delivered every December. This program runs at no cost to the organization, thanks to the support of our volunteer and loyal friends of Assistance League of Bend.
Our mission to transform lives in Deschutes County is made possible through the collaboration of caring people and vital resources. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community, including financial gifts, grants and in-kind donations. Every contribution stays local, directly benefiting our neighbors in need. Guided by compassion, each of our initiatives is designed to meet real needs with dignity and respect.
Learn more by contacting Ann Schmidt, VP Marketing at marketing@assistanceleaguebend.org.
