Parents who can not afford back to school clothes for their children this fall have no need to worry. A group of volunteers with the Assistance League of Montgomery County, located at 126 N. San Jacinto in Conroe, is going through the annual "Operation School Bell". This volunteer effort has the goal of clothing 4,100 school children by August 24th. In addition to that, the program also provides books for any children in need.

This program should help raise the self esteem of new students, who walk into classrooms wearing new, nice clothes for class. Margery Hayward, Operation School Bell chairwoman and Assistance League of Montgomery County president-elect adds, "We think it improves and helps the esteem of the child if they are dressed properly for school like their peers," and "we're dressing them so they can walk through the front doors the first day of school with brand-new clothes on."

The Assistance League of Montgomery County sends letters to students on the free lunch programs in schools inviting them to Operation School Bell. These are sent out through all six Montgomery County school districts. For these two weeks the program is giving each student three shirts, two pants, socks and underwear, a sweat shirt, hygiene kit and a book. Along with that they also receive a voucher for $20 at Payless Shoesource.

Operation School Bell has been going strong for 22 years, and will clothe its 25,000th child by the end of next week. If you would like to volunteer and are in the Conroe and Montgomery County area, the Assistance League of Montgomery County is always looking for help. You can reach them at (936) 760-1151 or visit their website at Assistance League of Montgomery County. Many thanks to the Assistance League of Montgomery County for a successful volunteer effort!

Source: The Courier of Montgomery County

Image courtesy of The Courier of Montgomery County