Assistance League of Bellingham

We are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization serving Whatcom County children, adults and seniors through community service. Our vision is to be an integral part of our community that recognizes and supports the unique philanthropic programs that only Assistance League of Bellingham can provide.

Our five philanthropic programs include: Operation School Bell®, Enrichment Scholarship Program, Care Center Support, Eating Healthy and Books and Beyond.  We operate our Thrift & Gift Shop at 2817 Meridian in Bellingham, Washington.  All of the money we earn for these programs from our Thrift Shop stays in Whatcom County.

We are part of a national organization representing 120 chapters with 22,000 members throughout the United States. Each chapter runs an Operation School Bell® program.  We are a dues oriented nonprofit organization.

We have five philanthropic programs that serve all areas of Whatcom County:

1.  Operation School Bell® provides low income elementary and middle school children with new clothing and shoes for back-to-school. We partner with JCPenney at the Bellis Fair Mall to allow students and their families to shop together and select school appropriate clothing.  Teen Team provides clothing to homeless high school students.

2.  Enrichment Scholarship Program is set up to award financial scholarships to Whatcom County students for their choice of a summer enrichment program.  The scholarships are merit based, not financial need based for grades 6-11.

3.  Care Center Support is organized to purchase birthday cards, Christmas and spring gifts for residents in eight local Care Centers who do not have family or friends nearby to share with them.

4.  Eating Heathy Program provides scholarships to Whatcom County students from preschoolers through 8th grade who wish to participate in camps and activities designed to encourage growing and eating organic fruits and vegetables.

5. Books and Beyond, formed in 2021, is the newest philanthropic program of Assistance League of Bellingham serving infant through 12th grade. The purpose of this program is to coordinate with local school districts as well as other local nonprofits for the promotion of literacy programs.