An all-volunteer organization in Apple Valley continues its mission of helping school children in the Victor Valley.
Chartered in 1982, Assistance League of Victor Valley is one of 121 chapters across the United States. Each chapter focuses on its own community and works to fulfill needs not being met elsewhere. The Victor Valley chapter has 134 members and offers many programs, including its flagship program Operation School Bell.
Every year, Operation School Bell takes K-12 students shopping with a $100-$120 gift card for clothes they need for school. Assistance League of Victor Valley serves 79 schools in seven school districts, clothing 1,500 kids a year.
Kids in need are identified by teachers and administration at their schools. For many of the kids shopping, this is the only opportunity during the year to have something new that is their own, the organization’s President Katy Bordonaro said.
“One little girl was so excited to have a new jacket that was not from her sister or from a thrift shop, that she put it on even though it wasn’t winter yet,” Bordonaro said. “The joy of working with the kids, seeing their smiles and getting the hugs was so rewarding for our volunteers.”
This school year, it looks unlikely that Assistance League volunteers will have the opportunity to go shopping with the kids, but the organization is determined to continue Operation School Bell. The school district will identify youth in need and the organization will be purchasing shoes and socks based on the sizes provided.
Volunteers will be sorting and packing shoes, then delivering them to the schools. Assistance League volunteers put in 270,000 hours of time on an average year. They are going to miss getting to see the kids this year but are excited to be able to help in a different capacity, Bordonaro said.
Assistance League also has a dedicated group of seventh- through 12th-grade youth volunteers with their own philanthropic programs. Throughout the year and through the coronavirus pandemic Assisteens have been putting together duffle bags with personal hygiene products, socks and a pair of shoes to give to those in need.
The Assisteens raise funds for their own projects and recently received a grant from Youth Grantmakers through Inland Empire Community Foundation.
Assistance League of Victor Valley relies on donations and sales to its thrift shop to support a portion of its budget. The shop has been closed since March and the organization hopes it will be able welcome shoppers as soon as regulations allow.
“We help 1,500 kids a year get the food clothing and essentials that they need and we give back more than 70% of what we receive to the community,” Bordonaro said. “Any funds large or small lets us help more children.”
Assistance League will be launching its annual “Sock it To ‘Em” mail campaign that will run through the rest of the year and hopes that the community will support their work. Those interested can also donate through their website or become paid members.
The organization has not been able to have its annual membership drive in spring, which are normally in person. Assistance League hopes soon it will be able to once again recruit new volunteers.
“The need in our area is growing every year,” Bordonaro said. “We started out serving 200 kids and each year we grow. We are being open-minded; everyone is pitching in and we are doing everything we can.”
Information: https://www.assistanceleague.org/victor-valley or 760-961-2468
Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy.
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August 22, 2020 at 04:00AM
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Assistance League of Victor Valley helps with growing needs of those in need - Press-Enterprise
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