Through Operation School Bell, elementary students get the chance to shop for brand-new clothes and the confidence that comes with them.
For nearly three decades, the Assistance League of Greater Collin County (ALGCC) has been quietly transforming lives one outfit, one child and one act of kindness at a time.
The Collin County chapter was founded in 1996 by 13 local women who wanted to make a difference for children in their community. Two years later, it became the 103rd official chapter of the national Assistance League organization, which includes more than 100 chapters across the country, all dedicated to meeting essential community needs through volunteerism and compassion.
Today, ALGCC’s 45 active members, mostly retired teachers, professionals and community leaders, dedicate thousands of volunteer hours each year to helping local children and families thrive.
Roxanne Hayaan, chapter President helps at the JCPenney check out station, photo courtesy of ALGCC
Dressing Kids For Success
The organization’s flagship program, Operation School Bell, provides new clothing for children from Title I schools in Plano, Allen, McKinney and Wylie ISDs, schools where many families face economic challenges.
But this isn’t a typical clothing drive. Instead of receiving donated items, each child shops for $125–$150 worth of brand-new clothes at JCPenney, guided by caring volunteers who make the experience special. The organization purchases JCPenney gift cards used at checkout.
“It’s incredible to see their faces,” says longtime member Sylvia Polhamus, a retired teacher. “Many of these kids have never set foot in a department store before. It’s such a boost to their confidence.”
With the best value possible from JCPenney and dozens of volunteers staffing the event, ALGCC helps clothe more than 700 students every year. That’s a feat that takes six full shopping days and about 30 volunteers per shift.
Mom helping children shop at JCPenney At Stonebriar Mall, photo courtesy of ALGCC
Beyond The Clothes
The shopping trip might only last an hour, but the impact lasts much longer.
“It’s not just about the clothes, it’s about dignity and belonging,” Polhamus says. “When children feel good about themselves, they’re more confident at school and that changes everything.”
And sometimes, that confidence changes lives. One former recipient, now a Houston Rockets executive, told the organization she vowed to give back to the charity that once helped her. Another, a former Miss Oklahoma, shared that receiving clothes through Operation School Bell made her feel “seen” for the first time and gave her the courage to chase her dreams.
“These stories remind us that what we do truly matters,” says Polhamus. “You never know the ripple effect of kindness.”
More Than One Mission
While Operation School Bell is the heart of the Assistance League, it’s far from their only project.
Volunteers also lead Listen and Learn, a literacy program at several elementary schools, and host children’s craft sessions at the oncology unit at Children’s Health Plano. They organize bingo afternoons for seniors at Baybrooke Village Care and Rehab and partner with Hope Restored Missions to support families transitioning from homelessness in addition to their involvement with Streetside Showers, which provides essential services to those in need.
Last year alone, members logged thousands of volunteer hours and the organization returned more than $110,000 in services to the Collin County community.
Bingo at Baybrook Nursing Home in McKinney, photo courtesy of ALGCC
Fundraisers That Fuel The Cause
Keeping these programs going takes about $120,000 a year, raised entirely through local donations and creative community fundraisers.
Next up: the Ugly Sweater Wine Walk at Watters Creek on Dec. 4, where ALGCC will be featured as the nonprofit of the month. Visitors can support the cause by purchasing $25 raffle tickets for a luxury holiday gift basket and $35 tickets to participate in the Wine Walk.
To purchase tickets, visit algcc.org.
In the spring, the League will host its annual luncheon fundraiser. This year’s theme, “Hats Off to Assistance League,” invites guests to don their most creative hats for a fun, community-driven day of giving.
A Call for New Members
The Assistance League’s mission is simple: to transform lives through community programs. Guided by values of compassion, accountability, ethics, respect and leadership, ALGCC has earned the Candid Platinum Transparency Seal for 2025, the highest national recognition for nonprofit excellence. With 45 active members, ALGCC is a small but mighty force. Still, the group is eager to grow.
“We need new members, and for us, ‘younger’ means anyone in their 50s or 60s,” says Polhamus with a smile. “Our meetings are once a month and members can give as much or as little time as they want. Most people join thinking they’ll only help a little and then they fall in love with the mission.”
As Polhamus puts it: “We may be retired, but we’re not done giving back.”
The Magic of Assistance League spring fundraiser, photo courtesy of ALGCC
Get Involved
To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit algcc.org or stop by their office at 200 Chisholm Place, Suite 105, Plano, TX 75075.
Because when a child puts on new clothes and a new smile, confidence grows and futures begin to change.
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