At Operation School Bell impoverished children, referred by the Los Angeles Unified School District, receive new clothing and personal grooming items. Students are given uniforms, backpacks, jackets and hygiene kits that enable them to step away from their poverty and look and feel just like their classmates. Anne Banning Auxiliary members spend special time with each child as they help them select clothes, and they raise funds and staff this service, as well.
In 2004 Mervyns Department Store donated a 53 foot trailer, now known as Operation School Bell on Wheels, a department store on wheels that was made over, re-painted and re-outfitted by Mervyns especially for Operation School Bell(OSB). The donation enables OSB to serve an additional 700 children per year by making once-a-month stops at various schools in addition to serving 3,300 youngsters at the OSB site in Hollywood.
