Assistance League® of Phoenix (ALP) is pleased to announce BHHS Legacy Foundation has donated a $225,000 matching grant for Operation School Bell.

“BHHS Legacy Foundation is a long-term funder of the Assistance League of Phoenix because we support and believe in their community mission,” said Jerry Wissink, chief executive officer at BHHS Legacy Foundation. “Every child deserves a strong start in school, especially at this time. The Assistance League of Phoenix back to school program that we fund instills confidence in the students served and empowers them to be ready to learn.”

The Operation School Bell program is funded as a result of generous financial support from BHHS Legacy Foundation and Legacy Connection which are Arizona charitable organizations with philanthropic missions to enhance the quality of life and health of those they serve.

The Delivering Dreams Bus is the mobile unit of Operation School Bell®, the signature program of Assistance League® of Phoenix, that serves over 8,500 children living in poverty with new school clothing and shoes each year.

Assistance League of Phoenix partners with more than 100 Title I schools throughout the year. Each school can select up to 100 children who qualify for the program (students on the free or reduced lunch program). Once on board the Delivering Dream Bus, students work with volunteers to select items and try them on for a perfect fit. Each student receives a bundle of items valued at approximately $200-250 and includes: two bottoms, three tops, six pair of socks, six underwear, a sweatshirt, belt, a pair of shoes, a new book of their choice, and a personalized health kit full of hygiene items.

“We are so grateful for the support and partnership we have with BHHS Legacy Foundation,” said Aimee Runyon, CEO of Assistance League® of Phoenix. “They believe in our mission and are committed to helping children in poverty. Legacy Foundation continues to invest in making our community better and we are thankful for their support that allows us to expand our program and help more children in need each year.”

BHHS Legacy Foundation is an Arizona charitable organization whose philanthropic mission is to enhance the quality of life and health of those it serves. The Foundation supports projects, programs and organizations that improve health and quality of life for those in our community who are most in need. Since 2001, BHHS Legacy Foundation has invested more than $85 million in projects, programs, and organizations in four key areas: increasing access to healthcare; improving community health; expanding Arizona’s healthcare workforce; and strengthening the community. To learn more about BHHS Legacy Foundation and the support it provides to the community, visit bhhslegacy.org.

Assistance League® of Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been serving the Phoenix area for 60 years. The organization has 125 members and 400 community/corporate volunteers and is affiliated with National Assistance League with 120 chapters nationwide. Last year, Assistance League of Phoenix members volunteered over 26,000 hours and raised over $1.7 million to serve over 20,000 children in the greater Phoenix community. For more information on the Assistance League of Phoenix visit http://www.alphx.org.