"No one wants to wear their poverty. For some children, attending school is painful and eventually many drop out. Others attend irregularly, or never enroll because their parents can't afford even the most basic items of school apparel."
   

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS The clothing distributed by OSB is suitable for school use, as our focus is to help children remain in the classroom by supplying appropriate, comfortable and well-fitting school attire. Our auxiliary members feel strongly that education is the best defense against the problems of poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse and crime. With the help of a caring volunteer, each child receives a full week's supply of new school clothing and a personal grooming kit containing soap, brush and comb, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

More than 700 schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are eligible to refer children for service. In addition, special education schools and schools for children with disabilities often make referrals. Children brought to an OSB facility are accompanied by a representative of LAUSD - a teacher, PSA counselor, nurse, principal or other designated school official.

For many children, Operation School Bell gives them the unique joy of many firsts: the first time they've ever received new clothes; the first time they've worn a pair of shoes that fit properly; the first time they've ever owned new underwear or their own grooming supplies. Often the most important gift they receive is a sense of well-being - when a caring volunteer helps them feel that someone really cares. How OSB on Wheels extends our reach into the community