Assistance League of Phoenix was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support Operation School Bell®. The flagship program partners with schools across the Greater Phoenix area to provide low-income students with new clothing, shoes, and other essentials for the school year.
“We are honored to have the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities as we work to address the needs of children in our community,” said Aimee Runyon, Chief Executive Officer, Assistance League of Phoenix. “Over the years, their generosity has provided wardrobe packages for thousands of children and supported their education. Teachers have told us how kids who visit the Delivering Dream Buses have gained confidence in their appearance and that it has also translated into confidence in the classroom.”
Thunderbirds Charities formed in 1986 to distribute funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament to organizations that assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area
The Operation School Bell program works with more than 140 K-8th grade schools in the area, with school staff identifying eligible students for the program. Last year, 13,740 clothing insecure children were served. Recognizing transportation challenges that face underserved and low-income families, ALP utilizes 40ft retrofitted buses called Delivering Dreams Buses, bringing the program directly to students at the schools they attend during the school day. The buses are filled with shelves of clothing and shoes, along with private dressing rooms. Corporate/community groups provide volunteers to help each child select clothing and ensure that clothes and shoes fit properly. Each student receives a package of items that include clothing, shoes, and hygiene items valued at approximately $300.
This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.