Update on Operation School Bell
A toothbrush, well- fitting clothing, underwear; to many of us, these are a "given." Of course we have these items; they are basics. But for many of our Charlotte children, these are not. Many go without underwear and share a toothbrush with their siblings. The children who need our help is increasing, and
Operation School Bell
® is expanding to meet their needs.
Meeting the ever increasing needs of children in a school district as large as Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) requires networking. In addition to the 2,000 children we clothe head to toe at our Center, we have expanded to provide coats, uniforms, hygiene kits, underwear, socks and individual hygiene items to more than 7,500 children this year!
We piggybacked onto Operation Check Hunger's mobile pantries supplying 600 school supply kits to children whose families attended the pantries. There are many children who cannot afford the fees/tuition for music and art lessons, as well as summer camp. We crossed over with our successful Scholarship program and provided the monies necessary for children to attend these wonderful and educational activities.
We gave 200 uniforms to Crisis Assistance Ministries. Our Outreach program provides two pairs of uniform pants and two uniform shirts to 225 children.
We expanded our books to include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) books for 5
th
grade students who come to our center. Operation School Bell
®, is evolving to meet the needs of students. We are helping them to look and feel their best and giving them the opportunity to focus on their studies, rather than worrying about how they look. We are striving to instill a sense of confidence so that these students can go forward into the future, realizing their potential and achieving great things.
