South Tahoe Middle School Students Treated to Shopping Spree

It took several cashiers and 3 check out lines to process the carts full of clothing, coats and shoes that 120 South Tahoe Middle School students spent the day shopping for at Kmart. On Saturday, October 5. The Assistance League® of Sierra Foothills (ALSF) partnered with the South Lake Tahoe Kmart to bring the Operation School Bell® program to the students.

This is the third year this program has taken place. The kids shopped for warm jackets, shoes and school clothes with their families, the highest number so far. Volunteers from ALSF drove to Tahoe for the day to make things a little brighter for those selected by school personnel to participate. Each child received a voucher worth $100 to spend on clothing. Kmart contributed a total of $1100 toward the program. A local grant from El Dorado Community Foundation South Lake Tahoe Endowment also helped support the event. The remainder of funds came from ALSF.

JoAnn Hernandez, school counselor, and others from the school were on hand to share in the fun. The excitement was evident to school principal Beth Delacour. “This event felt like Christmas in October," Delacour said. "The kids are really amazing individuals only to be out done by their parent's love for them. The Assistance League of Sierra Foothills is an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of our middle school students. Being able to choose clothes they want to wear at school without having to worry about the money is a great treat for many of these kids. We are so lucky to have the League in our lives here at South Tahoe Middle School. “

Through its Operation School Bell program, Assistance League of Sierra Foothills provides warm winter clothing for many disadvantaged school children in El Dorado County . In 2013, this non-profit organization's volunteers will shop with over 500 children in grades 4 through 8. The children served are from 22 schools in 11 school districts from South Lake Tahoe to El Dorado Hills.

The need for this program is especially great in the South Lake Tahoe area. In 2012, the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch count was 2411 students or 62.5% of the student population. The 2012 Homeless count was 230 students. Local families express appreciation for the help they receive, and children look forward to wearing their new clothing to school.

The Operation School Bell program is funded entirely by the organization's grants, donations, fundraising events, and membership dues. In 2012, Assistance League members contributed over 12,000 volunteer hours conducting programs in El Dorado County. There is no paid staff. To learn more about this and other programs provided by Assistance League of Sierra Foothills or to make a donation or join, please visit their website at http://www.sierrafoothills.assistanceleague.org.