Assistance League Coachella Valley to provide clothing to 4,000 children this fall

For more than a decade there has been a debate: Is there any benefit to requiring children wear uniforms in our nation’s schools? One side suggests that uniforms are beneficial in promoting school unity and a sense of belonging. Others counter that requiring uniforms has no positive effect and may even be detrimental.

Our Coachella Valley schools’ requirements are all over the place. Some schools have “T-shirt Friday” when all the children wear their school colors and logos. Others may suggest t-shirts be worn three days a week, some every day. But the majority of our public schools expect their students to have and wear school logo t-shirts.

The parents buy the shirts and the students wear them proudly. So, what about the father who is struggling to provide food on the table for his three young children? What does he choose? T-shirts or a week’s meals on the table?

This is where Assistance League Coachella Valley fits into the picture. This school year, over 4,000 elementary school children received their t-shirts through the League’s “Operation School Bell^” program. Working directly with all three school districts, this all-volunteer nonprofit group funds, procures, organizes and delivers personalized packages of essentials to these children who the schools deem as needing the community’s help.

Participating students receive three shirts, a pair of shoes, six pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear and hygiene supplies. Additional clothing and hygiene supplies are purchased for inventory, enabling school administrators to distribute items throughout the school year as needs arise.

The program is not about whether matching t-shirts do or don’t, make a difference in how children learn. It is about supplying fundamental necessities so each child can attend school without being embarrassed or ridiculed.

Who are these children? In the Desert Sands School District alone, this year, there were 100 foster children, 350 homeless children and 150 refugees – and these numbers are growing. The chapter will clothe up to 5,000 children this fall. Of the schools served, the student population is predominantly Hispanic (74-96%) and low-income (85%).

The Assistance League receives scores of notes and crayon drawings full of thanks from both children and parents.

Roberto in fourth grade says, “I wanted to thank the Assistance Leave [sic] for the school uniforms they provided for me and my brother,” and under a yellow happy face he says, “You made us happy!” A father wrote “My family and I are very [grateful] of your support. With the school uniforms, it gives us a little [relief] knowing our son has the appropriate uniforms to attend school.”

We also hear from teachers who tell their own stories: One told of dealing with a child who soiled the only shirt he had. She removed him from the room, give him a brand-new shirt and sheltered him from teasing. These small efforts make a huge difference.

The research mentioned above found reason to believe that class attendance and attention goes up in schools where standardized clothing is available. It would seem to make sense; is it not better to try something positive and enhance the feeling of self-worth in our children? Assistance League Coachella Valley is doing that in a big way.

Sally Tilden is a member of the board of directors of Assistance League Coachella Valley and a chapter past president. She moved to Cathedral City 16 years ago after retiring from a management position with the Long Beach Symphony. Her email is sally.tilden@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Assistance League Coachella Valley to provide clothing to 4,000 children