The ALF Operation School Bell (OSB)® program has provided new school clothes, shoes, a health kit and a new book to children in the Flagstaff Unified School District since 1997. Personnel at the elementary and middle schools identify children in need and obtain the necessary parental approved forms. 1348 children were served during the shortened year August 2019 through February 2020.
The local Operation School Bell program is part of the National Assistance League program.
Flagstaff Elementary schools served include:
- Cromer
- De Miguel
- Killip
- Kinsey
- Knoles
- Leupp
- Marshall
- Puente de Hozho
- Sechrist
- The PEAK
- Thomas
Flagstaff Middle Schools served are:
- Mount Elden Middle School
- Sinagua Middle School
- Summit High School’s middle school Program
ALF supports the Safe Child Center at Flagstaff Medical Center. Safe Child works with law enforcement and child protective services to ensure that child victims are treated with respect and dignity throughout the investigative process. Safe Child is dedicated to reducing the stress that children experience as victims of crime.
Each month members visit a local assisted living facility to provide a birthday party for the residents. The party is complete with entertainment, decorations, refreshments, and gifts for all the residents celebrating birthdays that month. Last year we celebrated 269 birthdays.
Kiddie Closet provides a complete layette for newborns. Families are referred from various agencies around Flagstaff. Layettes are made up of new clothing, diapers, a diaper bag and other items needed for the care of an infant. Last year ALF provided layettes to 43 newborns.
Hug-a-Bear provides cuddly teddy bears decked out in T-Shirts with the ASSISTANCE LEAGUE logo printed on them. These bears provide comfort to children who are experiencing a traumatic circumstance. They are distributed to area first responders and the Safe Child Center. Last year we donated 825 bears to children in stressful situations.
Kits containing a new sweat suit, personal care items, a journal, and a book on surviving assault are provided to crisis intervention specialists who care for victims of assault. Victims of assault are often required to leave their clothing for evidence, making these kits especially appreciated during a time of great distress. Last year we gave 103 kits to victims of assault.
In 2013 we saw the need to help the homeless of Flagstaff. Our newest program provides new sweatshirts, sweatpants, caps, gloves and other essentials to be distributed through 3 local shelters.
Last year over 12150 individuals received complete outfits through our thrift shop voucher program. Individuals and families were referred by area social agencies.
Providing basic household items to women and children fleeing domestic violence, this program served 44 families last year.