Action is their superpower, student support their strength

In Bellingham Public Schools, we think their new name is quite fitting. The Action League of Bellingham (ALB) was formerly called the Assistance League of Bellingham.

“Action League” describes the active and engaging work they do as a service organization in our community; they are especially engaged in serving BPS families and students. As volunteers, they are action heroes in our community and supporting families is their superpower.

Through donations and sales in their Thrift and Gift Shop on Meridian, the ALB funds a variety of programs.

One of their organization’s core programs also has a new name. Formerly Operation School Bell, the new name is Whatcom School Partners (WSP), which is also aptly named. This program partners with all schools in Whatcom County for the important role of helping students acquire new school clothes and shoes at the start of each school year. The idea of “partnership” reminds us that it takes an entire community in a collective commitment to help students succeed.

ALB volunteer Vicki Spinella shared a little information on the rebranding of Operation School Bell. "Our members chose the name 'Whatcom School Partners to honor the essential connections we share with local school districts and our corporate partner, JCPenney," Spinelli said.

"The Bellingham JCPenney team goes above and beyond every year to help families stretch their WSP gift cards as far as possible. On top of that, their store has selected Action League for its 'Round-Up Program' over the last few years—helping channel crucial donations straight into our local programs."

This year alone, the ALB’s WSP program donated an incredible 857 gift cards to BPS families worth $150 each, for a total amount of nearly $130,000.

Executive director of Family Engagement Isabel Meaker is grateful for the 'actions' and philanthropy of the Action League. Knowing hundreds and hundreds of families in our district, she understands the stresses on family finances around getting through a day, a week, or a month. She sees the role of the ALB as a beacon of hope and a bit of financial relief for some BPS families.

“Starting a new school year should be filled with possibilities,” Meaker says, “not worry about whether kids have shoes that fit or clothes they feel comfortable wearing.”

“The Action League of Bellingham’s extraordinary donation every year gives students and families with the greatest need the ability to choose the clothing and shoes that are right for them,” she continued.

“That choice brings dignity, reduces stress for families, and helps children walk through the school doors feeling confident.”

This year’s 857 gift cards represent nearly 10% of our student population that the ALB reached and served in a tangible way.

Family engagement specialist Emily Humphrey-Krigbaum works closely with the Action League when sensitive student support is needed beyond the Whatcom School Partners program, especially for those students experiencing homelessness or crises at home. She recounted the story of a teen who departed from the family home quickly and left with "only the clothes on their back."  ALB was able to assist the student with a Team Teen voucher that allowed the purchase of new clothes and shoes.

"These vouchers allow for students to pick out their own clothes and have flexibility about when they can shop," Humphrey-Krigbaum said, "giving students very valued autonomy during times of crisis."  She said this particular student was able to get clothing that "made them feel confident and bring some much needed normalcy."

"They were able to go to school not having to worry about wearing the same outfit everyday," she added.

"Clothing has a huge impact for youth on how motivated they feel to fully engage with school."

Another valuable program supported by the Action League is the Enrichment Scholarship Program. Middle and high school students can apply for scholarships to attend academic and activity camps. In 2026, 71 enrichment grants were given out to BPS students, funding exciting extra-curricular activities. Applications open in January for 2027 scholarships.

Still other programs include the newish Books and Beyond initiative and also Student Support for students experiencing homelessness and those in the foster care system.

And that’s just what they do for young people! Their programs extend into all areas of the community.

As mentioned earlier, to raise funds for this longtime support to schools, ALB runs a Thrift and Gift Shop, located at 2817 Meridian.

If you would like to support ALB, you can shop or donate at their store, or donate money directly. These dollars go to students and to other community needs.

Whether clothing students at the start of the school year or helping them reach their dreams as artists and scientists, Assistance League of Bellingham is an inspiring community partner to Bellingham Public Schools.

“We are incredibly grateful for a community partner that understands how meeting basic needs and enrichment can open the door to learning, connection and opportunity,” Meaker said.

And likewise, the Action League is grateful to the wider community for supporting them. 

"With public schools facing growing challenges," Spinelli shared, "our commitment to supporting local students is more critical than ever. Through the Action League of Bellingham, we address essential needs—clothing, hunger, supplies, health, and literacy—for children across Whatcom County."

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Thrift Shop patrons and community supporters for making this work possible," Spinelli said.

Find out more about donating or becoming a volunteer at their website.

 

Related facts and stories:

A chance meeting leads to books for Alderwood students

The Assistance League of Bellingham won the districtwide community partner of the year Promise Award in 2016 for their support of our families.