Transforming Lives •

Strengthening Community

www.alslocounty.org

Summer 2024

Summer Is the Season…

To Gear Up for '24–'25 Operation School Bell^®

During the 2023–2024 school year,

2,179 students in San Luis Obispo County were clothed.

Even while our membership enjoys summer fun with their families, our San Luis Obispo Chapter is gearing up to ensure that Operation School Bell (OSB) has another record-breaking year of support for the County’s students in need.

This means gathering and organizing donations, such as dental hygiene kits, books and other school supplies, and assembling these gifts into back-to-school kits for our students.

Beyond school supplies, we are pleased to continue our tradition of supporting students in need with new school clothing.

Through the money we raise, more than 2,000 students annually are able to choose their own, free back-to-school clothes at either Kohls (in the North County) or Old Navy (in the South County). Students in grades 6-12 are able to select $200 worth of clothing, and our younger students are able to select $150 worth of back-to-school clothes.   

Our many volunteers support students during special shopping days, acting as greeters, personal shoppers and more. What makes this possible? Donations to our Warm Your Heart campaign, grants, and the collaboration of our amazing partners, including Kohl’s, Old Navy, Tolosa Children’s Dental Center, and numerous supporters and donors. 

To learn more about our Operation School Bell program, or to get involved, click here.

Outgoing President Bonnie Long (left) presents Susan Armstrong recognition for 35 years of membership.

Barbie Butz (left) presents The Barbie Leadership Award to Marge Harris (center), with Bonnie Long.

New Year, New Board…

And So Much More!

In May, our membership gathered for the Annual Meeting and Luncheon. At this special gathering of old and new friends, we welcomed a new slate of officers, reflected on the past and celebrated the future!

As we thanked outgoing President Bonnie Long for her incredible leadership and tireless dedication, we also installed our new board. The Chapter looks forward to an exciting year of continued growth and fellowship under their guidance.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

President — Sharon Darnton

VP Membership — Cheryl Quilici 

VP Philanthropic Programs — Chris Pontius

VP Resource Development — Cindy Cantrell

VP Marketing & Communications — Nancy Winkenbach

Thrift Store Manager — Sue Pino

Treasurer — Helen Robertson

The Annual Meeting also provided an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication and years of service of several special members, including a recognition of 35 years of membership to Susan Armstrong. Please congratulate our award recipients.  

• Chris Pontius, The President’s Award

• Janeen Schiff, The Ada Edwards Laughlin Award

• Cyndi Ashley, Gladys Fiske Flamingo Award

• Marge Harris, The Barbie Leadership Award

As we welcome the new Chapter year, we are energized to move forward under the leadership of our new board and the commitment of our membership with our strategic plan to achieve our goals.

Janeen Schiff receives The Ada Edwards Laughlin Award and flowers from Bonnie Long.

Shop, Save and Support

at the Assistance League Thrift Store

We are excited to share the launch of our new Thrift Store campaign: Shop, Save and Support! We believe each component of our message resonates with our target consumers who want to…

Shop in an inviting, well-stocked, and nicely maintained environment

Save money on the apparel, housewares and home goods they need and want

Support SLO County’s students in need by supplying them with new school clothes.

Our members volunteer a minimum of nine hours per month at the store, and the money raised from sales is the single largest source of funding to support our philanthropic programs, including ACE and Operation School Bell.

Assistance League Activities With the Community

This and other events help to raise awareness about our mission

and to celebrate and appreciate our all-volunteer team!