Eastside Community Aid Thrift Store Wins National Recognition

The Assistance League of the Eastside honored recently its longtime local donor Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop for consistently supporting the league's Operation School Bell program on the Eastside.

Committee chairman Mavis Goetsch presented the National Operation School Bell Award to Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop President Jody Orbits last week at the league's fundraiser, “Run for the Roses," a Kentucky Derby Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Since 1993, Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop has donated over $83,000 to the chapter in 29 separate gifts.

The Assistance League of the Eastside is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through community-based philanthropic programs to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults touched by hardship or violence.

Operation School Bell is a national program of Assistance League; all 126 chapters across the United States participate in this program in one form or another.  At the heart of the Operation School Bell program is the belief that new clothing, and the resulting increase in self-esteem and school attendance, contributes to a strong foundation for a child’s successful school experience.

The local chapter’s program began in 1992 by serving 60 students in one school and .  It has moved from a trunk show with gently used clothing in a school portable to the current use of gift cards at evening shopping events at three local Fred Meyer Stores. 

The National Operation School Bell Award is given to honor those in the community, who through significant financial, in-kind or service support, have had a direct, powerful and positive effect on Operation School Bell, thus warranting recognition from National Assistance League.

For additional information about Assistance League of the Eastside, please contact:

Jackie Devich, President, Assistance League of the Eastside; Work: 425-556-5106; E-mail: eastsideinfo@assistanceleague.org; Web:            www.eastside.assistanceleague.org