Assistance League helps students prepare for school

More than 100 children and teenagers from school districts in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Westminster were able to get a new set of clothes and school supplies thanks to a local nonprofit.

The Assistance League of Huntington Beach hosted its seasonal Operation School Bell event Jan. 13 at the Target on Adams Avenue and Brookhurst Street. The nonprofit donated money to underprivileged students in the community several times during the school year to try to boost the children’s self-esteem, Assistance League member Diane Dwyer said.

Elementary students were able to spend up to $95, middle school students up to $130 and high school students up to $150.

“These kids got to come and shop with their parents for their school clothes, and it’s just so rewarding to see the looks and smiles on their faces,” she said. “We’ve heard from teachers and parents that when these kids don’t have to share school clothes with their siblings and get to have their own school clothes, it makes them feel good about themselves and improves their self-esteem. It really makes them want to go to school.”

In the 2015-16 school year, the Huntington Beach chapter has helped clothe about 2,500 students and has donated more than $250,000 to do so. The nonprofit clothed 2,111 students during the previous school year, Dwyer said.

“We meet the basic needs of these students and improve the self-esteem by clothing them for academic success,” she said.