About 74 Denver children from low-income families kicked off the start of an annual clothing giveaway Wednesday by picking out free, new outfits for the school year.
Operation School Bell, a month- long event, provides about 3,000 low-income students with new clothes for school. Students must first be referred by their school psychologist, nurse or social worker in Denver Public Schools.
Students receive clothing, a book, a voucher for new shoes, a health kit — including toothpaste and a new toothbrush — and some school supplies.
“This year we have jumpers and skorts for the girls; it’s such cute clothes for the kids who wear uniforms,” said the league’s spokeswoman, Nancy Murphy. “In every case, it seems to be such a joyful occasion,”
Operation School Bell, sponsored by the Assistance League of Denver, began in 1977.
Murphy said that in recent years, the league has spent $150,000 to $175,000 annually on clothing and supplies. The funds come primarily from the league’s local thrift-store profits.
The nonprofit Assistance League — which has 119 chapters across the U.S. — is staffed only by volunteers.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
