Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded the Assistance League® of Phoenix a $50,000 grant to support their Operation School Bell program, which provides over 8,500 children living in poverty with new school clothing and shoes each year. The program is delivered through its mobile dressing centers, the Delivering Dream buses.
“We’re so thankful to Thunderbirds Charities,” said Aimee Runyon, Chief Executive Officer, Assistance League® of Phoenix. “They have continued to support our work and it means everything to the children and families we serve. Thunderbirds Charities is making such a difference in our community and we are so grateful for their partnership and support.”
The Assistance League of Phoenix has three Delivering Dreams Buses sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Rotary 100/BHHS Legacy Foundation and Fiesta Bowl Charities/BHHS Legacy Foundation. The donation from Thunderbirds Charities will help purchase clothing and shoes to fill these buses.
Assistance League of Phoenix partners with more than 100 Title I schools throughout the year. Each school can select up to 100 children who qualify for the program (students on the free or reduced lunch program). Once on board the Delivering Dream Bus, students work with volunteers to select items and try clothing on in the dressing rooms. Each student receives a bundle of items valued at approximately $200-250 and includes two bottoms, three tops, six pair of socks, six underwear, a sweatshirt, belt, a pair of shoes, a new book of their choice, and a personalized health kit full of hygiene items.
This grant is part of the Fall 2021 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.