In a perfect world, what you wear isn’t important. But the harsh reality, especially for children, is that a worn and nonstylish wardrobe opens the door for a barrage of cruel or insensitive remarks.
And from there, things can head south in a hurry.
It’s no surprise that kids who are targets of relentless teasing or cutting remarks have low self-esteem and can respond by acting out, dropping out or retreating into a shell.
Members of the Assistance League of Denver recognized the problem 30 years ago, and started Operation School Bell. It is now the league’s largest gift-giving event of the year and involves outfitting 2,400 children in the Denver Public Schools with a set of new clothes.
“With proper clothing, children arrive in the classroom better prepared to learn,” says President Rosemary Shaffer. Operation School Bell, adds Donna Jewett, a DPS social worker, enables “kids to feel good about themselves and fit in with other children at school. It’s a win-win program.”
Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter was a special guest when the 2007 clothing distribution took place. Children from low-income families, accompanied by parents or guardians, arrived at OSB headquarters to pick out their back-to-school outfits in a store-like setting. All of the clothing is new, either purchased by the league with money raised throughout the year or donated by supportive merchants and individuals.
The Assistance League (303-322-5205) raises money by operating the ALD Thrift Mart at 1331 E. Colfax Ave.; by staging Christmas At Our House (this year’s dates are Nov. 7-10 at 1400 Josephine St.); and through grants and contributions from the community.
Have you heard?
Alpine Banks chairman Bob Young is to be honored tonight at For the Love of a Child, a “celebration ball” benefiting the new Childhelp River Bridge Advocacy Center in Glenwood Springs. Childhelp founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson are to attend the 6 p.m. auction, dinner and dance held at the Hotel Colorado. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling 1-970-945-5195. Actress Joyce Bulifant of Carbondale, who played the wife of newsman Murray Slaughter on the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” from 1971-77 and was a regular on “The Match Game,” was instrumental in raising money to build River Bridge Advocacy Center. She is vice president of Childhelp’s national board. The advocacy center is located next to Valley View Hospital and offers child abuse prevention and education programs; training in forensic interviewing techniques; and children’s play and exam rooms.
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods is having a wine tasting and silent auction Sept. 19 to raise money for the restoration of the historic Tears-McFarlane House/ CHUN Community Center. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at 1290 Williams St. Tickets are $25 each or $40 per couple in advance. Call Andrea Furness, 303-830-1651.
Consultant Ginger Graham discusses “The Alphabet Soup of Women’s Health” when she delivers the keynote address for a Sept. 20 luncheon benefiting the Center for Women’s Health Research. Graham is the former chief executive officer of Amylin Pharmaceuticals and a member of the California Council on Science & Technology board. Toni Cohig is chairing the 11 a.m. event at the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom; call center director Gay Cook, 303-724-0305.
The Colorado UpLIFT Guild launches its new year by staging a luncheon for new and continuing members Sept. 20 at the Grand Hyatt Denver’s Pinnacle Club. The $40 admission includes valet parking for the 11 a.m. event. Call 303-699-8411.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at
Online: Pictures from Operation School Bell
