Needs
OPERATION SCHOOL BELL
Operation School Bell® is our signature program and therefore the majority of Assistance League Sierra Foothills funds are spent on this program. We provide vouchers to disadvantaged and homeless, K-8 students in El Dorado County, inviting them to attend our shopping events where they can shop for warm, comfortable, and appropriate new school clothing. We also give each child a new book to take home.
We were fortunate enough to provide new school clothing to 1089 children in our fiscal year 2019-2020. This fall's program was impacted by Covid-19 but we are proud to say that we were still able to provide clothing to 715 students and we plan to have one more shopping event which should bring our total number of students served to 875.
Currently we are only able to offer the shopping spree experience to 20% of those in need for El Dorado County western slope. The opportunity to sustain and hopefully increase this percentage totally relies on contributions from generous donors like you, grant awards, and successful fundraisers.
BAGS FOR BELONGING
$10 pays for one large duffel bag to be used by New Morning Shelter home Child's Protective Services for children who must be removed from their living situation. This bag is used for their meager belongings so that they do not have to use garbage bags!
Funding for this program had to be reduced this year due to our impacted budged. With your help we can bring funding back up to or above pre-COVID-19 levels.
COMMUNITY AND ADVANTAGE SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS
Assistance League of Sierra Foothills offers two types of scholarships. The Community Service Scholarship is awarded to three high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding community service work throughout their high school years. The Advantage Scholarship is offered to three El Dorado County residents who have overcome significant challenges in their lives and who want to continue their education. Previously we were able to gift $10,000 in these scholarships. Unfortunately, this year we had to decrease that amount by 90% and reduce the number of recipients.
Please help us restore the funding for this program.
SMILE
Each month members of Assistance League of Sierra Foothills provide a stimulating interactive program for the residents at the Gold Country Retirement Center in El Dorado County. Since COVID-19 we have had to put this program on hiatus but are anxious to return to see our friends at the center. Your support will assist us in reestablishing this important program.
SPORTS LOCKER
Assistance League of Sierra Foothills partners with local soccer and baseball youth sports leagues to provide scholarships for youth who would otherwise be unable to participate in these non-school activities. Our goal is to help children develop a positive self-image, leadership skills and self esteem through involvement with youth sports .
COVID-19 caused the cancellation of these sports programs this past year and we deleted the funding from our budget until these programs start again. Once the leagues open again, we hope to provide more than before scholarships to get our disadvantaged youth out and active again. You can help us do this.