ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF INDIANAPOLIS

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF INDIANAPOLIS

Who we are:

Assistance League® of Indianapolis is a nonprofit, all member volunteer, non-political, non-sectarian organization committed to serving the needs of children and adults through ongoing philanthropic programs developed and managed by its 235 members.

What we do:

Operation School Bell® offers new clothing, footwear, and supplies to over 6,600 students each year who live in poverty, helping them to arrive at school ready to learn. There are three divisions of the program: Apparel, Shoes, and Beyond the Bell. We serve students in Kindergarten through 5th grade from the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and the Metropolitan School Districts (MSD) of Lawrence, Washington, Pike, and Warren Townships.

Assault Survivor Kits® give nurses, doctors, and counselors who treat victims of assault, both adults and children, a way to restore a sense of dignity and hope by providing a change of clothing that can be worn home from the hospital. ALI Bears offer comfort to many traumatized, ill and grieving adults, teens and children. ALI Friends offer companionship and caring for older and disabled adults.

Why we are important:

Families of the children who are served by Operation School Bell report that the money they save as a result of clothing supplied to their children allows them to pay for essentials such as housing, food, and utilities. In our Operation School Bell Shop, the students each select new school clothes, underwear, socks, coat, winter hat and glove set, belt, hygiene supplies, two new books, and a duffel bag in which to carry home their new wardrobe. The attire provided to students is often the first new clothing and hygiene items they have ever owned. We know that new shoes are important when we see the ill-fitting and worn shoes we are replacing.

Many assault victims must surrender their clothes for evidence of a crime. Our Assault Survivor Kits supply new, warm garments to victims so they have more than a hospital gown or scrubs to wear home. Our kits provide a change of clothing for victims of domestic abuse who may have left their situation with only the clothes they were wearing.

There are children and adults in area hospitals, hospices and family service centers who need something to fill their empty arms during times of grief and trauma. ALI Bears offer that comfort.

ALI Friends program brightens the lives of people in health care facilities and adult day care centers. Celebrations for special occasions are offered to guests and residents who choose to participate, enjoying games, arts and crafts, music, and healthy treats.

How we affect the community:

Assistance League of Indianapolis is a recognized leader in supplying services to the underserved in our area. Our accomplishments are done with the efforts of member volunteers, as there are no paid staff or salaried employees. In fiscal year 2018-2019, the members of the Assistance League logged over 25,000 charitable hours. Assistance League of Indianapolis serves a large area ranging from our major city to quiet suburbs. The success and growth of our philanthropic programs are based on 35 years of experience identifying and assessing needs and designing programs that deliver solutions effectively. Following our strategic plan, the organization continually researches, studies, and implements programs that address the emotional, physical, and economic needs of underserved families, regardless of ethnicity or creed.

Since 1984, our philanthropic programs have provided:

• Over 62,000 receive new clothing and supplies and over 48,307 receive new footwear through Operation School Bell. In addition, 61 elementary schools are given extra school clothing, socks and underwear to be distributed by social workers.

• More than 13,000 Assault Survivor Kits and 16,000 undergarments delivered to 24 agencies

• 23,500 teddy bears to give smiles and comfort

• 550 older adults enjoyed playing bingo and the gift of friendship

How you can help:

Become a member. Interested individuals, corporations, and foundations can provide support with monetary and in-kind donations, and grant awards directly to the Assistance League of Indianapolis. You may also attend and/or donate to our fundraising events. These opportunities include the Mission Possible Celebration on April 24, 2020, and the Holiday Luncheon in early December. We are proud that 85% of every dollar we spend directly benefits the individuals we serve.

Assistance League of Indianapolis 1475 W. 86th Street, Suite E, Indianapolis, IN 46260 317.872.1010/ Fax 317.872.1542 www.alindy.org Facebook: Assistance League of Indianapolis Twitter: Asst League of Indy @ALofIndy Instagram: Assistance League Indianapolis @alofindy