Christmas came early for 150 Oxford and Lake Orion elementary students in need who were treated to a free shopping spree last week courtesy of the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.
Thanks to the Rochester Hills-based nonprofit group’s ‘Operation School Bell? program, each child received a brand new winter coat, knit-hat, gloves, underwear, socks, two shirts, jeans, a book to read, some school supplies and a hygiene kit.
Since 1995, more than 12,300 students have benefited from this program. This was the first time the Oxford and Lake Orion school districts participated.
The special K-5 students were selected by their respective school social workers and bused down to the Rochester Community Schools administration building on W. University Dr. There they found a large room had been set up like a store complete with clothing racks and folks taking measurements.
‘I love this store because it has cool stuff,? said Robert Wolff-Dahlin, a first-grader at Lakeville Elementary. ‘I love the jackets and the toothpaste and the hats. I love everything!?
Each student was paired with a smiling Assistance League volunteer who helped them shop and fill up that large, new duffel bag each kid received upon entering the store.
‘It’s like trick-or-treating,? said Betty Zych, a representative for the Assistance League.
To learn more about the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan visit www.semich.assistanceleague.org or call (248) 656-0414.
To help fund its activities, the group runs an upscale resale shop called the ReSale Connection, located at 204 S. Main St. in Rochester.