Operation School Bell brings clothes to South Lake Tahoe children

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Not many people in South Lake Tahoe know the name Assistance League Sierra Foothills, but over 200 children benefited from clothing donations through Operation School Bell.

Each year, the volunteers from the Assistance League take children in need shopping for school clothes throughout El Dorado County. For the eastern end of the county, the volunteers would take the kids to the South Lake Tahoe KMart, but with the closing of the discount store, a new plan was made. This year, the selected children were able to pick out shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, and other needed clothing from a special JC Penny catalog. The selected items were then sent to the homes of the volunteers who sorted them and then delivered them to South Lake Tahoe schools (they have one more delivery to make).

Students in grades K-5 were able to spend $80, grades 6-8 $100, and 9-12 $125. On the West Slope students shop for clothes and coats, but with the Kiwanis of Lake Tahoe sponsoring "Coats For Kids" in South Lake Tahoe, Operation School Bell took care of other needs.

The Assistance League Sierra Foothills sponsors other programs in El Dorado County besides Operation School Bell. They also have Books and Beyond, Sports Locker, Bags for Belongings, SMILE, and offer scholarships to students.

Since 2008, the 100 percent volunteer organization has logged 146,000 volunteer hours and raised over $1.4M through fundraisers, dues, grants, and donations in order to fund its many projects. This year alone they have helped 1,500 individuals.

To help, they are holding one of their two big fundraisers this weekend and the public is invited. Homes For The Holidays takes place in El Dorado Hills where five homes will be on display for tours. All are fully decorated for the holidays. At the homes will be decorated Christmas Trees for sale, artisan vendors, and their signature raffle.

Homes For The Holidays is held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10 for kids 12 and under, and $40 for adults. All money raised goes to programs like Operation School Bell. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

For more on the El Dorado County chapter of the Assistance League, visit https://www.assistanceleague.org/sierra-foothills/.