Women Helping Youth, Donors of Lil Wheels

This women’s philanthropic organization was recently created to help children in need in the greater Los Angeles area. Each member donates funds that are distributed to the community through a grant outreach project. This remarkable group of women donated $23,000 for the purchase of a van to provide restock to Wheels and to pick up stock purchased by our buyers. For more information, visit their website at www.womenhelpingyouth.org.

Find out more about the Los Angeles School Police Department.
    

LASPD, an ongoing supporter of OSB

The Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) was established in 1948 to create a safe and tranquil environment for the students, teachers and staff of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The men and women of the LASPD have accepted this duty with an unyielding commitment that has not wavered for fifty-six years. This dedication to public safety is the standard for the fifth largest police department in Los Angeles County and the largest school police department in the nation.

Find out more about the Los Angeles School Police Department.
    

The Mark Hughes Foundation, providing major operational funding for “OSB on Wheels”

Mark Hughes established the Foundation motivated by the memory of his own troubled childhood.  He created his organization dedicated to helping "at-risk" children overcome a disadvantaged or traumatic childhood.  It was his sincere belief that with help and support, children can overcome life's challenges.
     

Mervyns, donor of “OSB on Wheels” trailer

Mervyn’s, LLC, headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a family-friendly promotional neighborhood department store offering trend-right fashions and home décor for the entire family at affordable prices. With 257 locations in 13 states, Mervyn’s has a well-earned reputation for its extensive selection of national and private-label fashions and housewares. Community giving has been a cornerstone of the company’s business since 1949, with a focus on improving the lives of children and families by giving back to educational programs in its communities. For a list of store locations, or for additional information, visit Mervyn’s website at www.mervyns.com.

In September 2004, Mervyn’s was acquired by Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm, who recently received the 2003 Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor Award for Private Equity Firm of the Year.
    

Rags For Riches Foundation

Since 1997, Operation School Bell has received generous support from the Rags For Riches Foundation. This foundation is comprised of friends and colleagues in the garment industry who annually raise funds to support children’s charities. Their annual gifts to School Bell have helped over 4,000 children and their families.
    

Universal Studios / Discover A Star Foundation

Operation School Bell is proud to add Universal Studios/Discover A Star Foundation to our list of corporate sponsors (see story on "2nd Annual Day of Giving"). Universal's grant of $25,000 has helped keep "Wheels" rolling to schools in Los Angeles.

Criminal Courts Bar Association

Since 2002, the members of The Criminal Courts Bar Association have donated the proceeds of their annual golf tournament to Operation School Bell. Each October, this event raises funds by hosting a round of golf and dinner at a local golf club.

Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation

For many years, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation has generously provided funding for books, dictionaries, and other critical items provided to the children of Operation School Bell. This year, the Foundation has purchased 4,000 dictionaries to be given to the children of Operation School Bell. We gratefully thank the Foundation for their ongoing support.

Find out more about Ella Fitzgerald Foundation
   

Security Textile Corporation

Operation School Bell gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of Brian Weitman and Security Textile Corporation.

Find out more about Security Textile Corporation
   

Over the years, Children's Book World's owner, Sharon Hearn, has generously donated over 2,000 books to the children of Operation School Bell. Children's Book World has been selected by L.A. Weekly and Los Angeles Magazine Best of L.A. as the "best children's book store". For so many of the children visiting Operation School Bell these books may be the first of their very own. Visit their website at www.childrensbookworld.com

Smotrich Family Foundation

Many thanks for the generous support of Dr. Marvin Smotrich and the Smotrich Family Foundation.

DIC Entertainment

Throughout the year, DIC Entertainment donates a plethora of "pink" with hundreds of Strawberry Shortcake backpacks, clothes, books and more. The little girls who come to Operation School Bell are thrilled to be given the opportunity to take home one of these special items due to the generosity of DIC Entertainment.