Operation School Bell receives books

When the first group of children in need is brought to the Assistance League of Yuma to pick up new clothes for school, they'll get not only the clothes but a choice of three books and a backpack.
 
And they can thank Danielle Hern.
 
Danielle, a member of Troop 62, Saguaro Council, Girl Scouts of America, collected and turned over 126 children's books to the Operation School Bell, an Assistance League program that distributes school clothing to needy children.
 
"I am working on badges to earn a bronze award, the highest for a Girl Scout Junior in transition to Cadet can receive," the "almost" 13-year-old Gila Vista Junior High student explained. "My friend, Elizabeth Ebadirad, who goes to Palmcroft, helped me."
 
Danielle said she got the book donations from friends, neighbors and community groups
 
"The books are for children from kindergarten through sixth grade, and are in good condition. Actually some have never been opened to read," Danielle said.
 
Charlotte Jones, an Operation School Bell volunteer, said, "When the children come in for their clothing, they are invited to select three books. The biggest question is 'When do I have to bring the books back,' and the answer of 'never' brings smiles, and when they see their names being printed on a label inside the books, there are more smiles.
 
"The books become an inspiration for reading," Jones added, "and many have been donated by the Friends of the Yuma Library. This single, large contribution by a Girl Scout is outstanding."
 
Betty Borland, the chairwoman for Operation School Bell, added: "Each of the children is given three complete sets of new school clothes, which can be two sets of uniforms and one set for play. In addition, each receives five pairs of underwear and five pairs of socks. There are 40 schools in the area, 15 of which now require uniforms.
 
"The backpacks, all new like the clothing, include school supplies, health items, like a toothbrush, toothpaste," Borland said.
 
Bev Stallman, public relations person for the Assistance League of Yuma, said the league's thrift shop at 1054 S. 4th Ave. is one of the principle sources of funding for Operation School Bell and other philanthropic projects and services.
 
"All the clothing for children is new. We not only have clothing for the children referred by school principals, counselors and social workers, we have also helped families in emergency situations. Recently we helped clothe children after their home was destroyed by fire.
 
"Everyone in the league is a volunteer," Stallman said. "When we open Tuesday for the school season, there will be about 12 to help. Assistance is needed to be certain the child is fitted with the right size - select the correct uniform and the third outfit. Each girl is given a small stuffed toy, and a car or appropriate toy for the boy."
 
Operation School Bell, at 1048 S. 5th Ave.,  is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.


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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.