Operation school bell is ringing.

That’s the name Assistance League Santa Clarita has given its program to help clothe needy children in Santa Clarita. More than $300,000 in new clothes and shoes will go to 2,760 students across the Santa Clarita Valley, with more than 1,000 Hart School District students receiving the gift.

“As a site principal, I had the joy of seeing the smile of a child as they proudly entered school wearing a new outfit with matching shoes,” said Gayle Abril-Nolet, Vice President Program Services with Assistance League Santa Clarita. “It wasn’t until I became a member of the Assistance League Santa Clarita that I realized what a labor of love that smile represented.”

Operation School Bell is a philanthropic program designed by Assistance League to provide new clothing and shoes for school age children in the community. Schools are assigned an evening where identified students can shop with their parents. Students in grades K -5 are given $75 and students in grades 6 to 12 are given $125 to spend at Old Navy in Stevenson Ranch. As they check out at the register, they are also offered a $25 gift card to use at Payless Shoe Source. A total of $153,450 worth of clothing and shoes will be offered to 1,023 Hart School District students.

“Programs like Operation School Bell highlight the great work within the community being done for those most in need,” said Rob Hall, Governing Board President of the Hart School District. “The school district, and specifically the board, are so proud of this program and the support for our many students in need. A community like Santa Clarita needs to become aware of this ongoing issue and continue to support the many great programs for their students.”

In addition to the new clothes and shoes, Assistance League Santa Clarita can also provide eye exams and glasses through the “i care for kids” program. The Assistance League resale store is located at 24364 Main Street in Newhall. For more information you can also go to www.assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org.