Assistance League® of Indianapolis

Assistance League® of Indianapolis is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support children and adults in the Central Indiana area through its philanthropic programs. It began serving the community in 1984 and was chartered into National Assistance League® as the 78th chapter in 1988. As a completely volunteer organization without paid staff, it is comprised of approximately 200 members and is overseen by an elected Board of Directors. New members are needed and always welcome. Visit https://www.alindy.org/membership to learn more.

Operation School Bell®, our largest program, serves economically challenged Indianapolis students. Qualifying students in the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, Washington and Wayne Townships plus Indianapolis Public Schools receive new school apparel, supplies and shoes. 

This fall, Operation School Bell clothed its 75,000th student and supplied its 60,000th student with a pair of athletic shoes. Our goal this year is to provide 3,100 students with apparel and 2,100 with shoes. In addition, the Beyond the Bell division provides additional clothing items to school social workers to have on hand as needs arise.

School personnel cite a decrease in bullying and improved attendance among students receiving clothing.

Our records show that Operation School Bell has saved area families over $3.1 million since 2018. Parents stretched by purchasing clothes for their children can instead spend the money for food and rent.

Other programs include:

Assault Survivor Kits and undergarments are delivered to hospitals and agencies in central Indiana to victims of assault. As of May 2024, nearly 19 thousand kits have been distributed to 18 facilities.

ALI Bears have filled empty arms with a friend to hug, care, and love. More than 27 thousand bears have been delivered to 8 area hospice, hospital and trauma centers since the program began in 1987. 

ALI Friends socializes with and celebrates the birthdays of participating seniors at North Capitol Rehabilitation and Nursing Home and individuals with disabilities at Joy’s House.

A Literacy Initiative is in its third year; a trial program for first graders in partnership with the MSD of Washington Township will continue during the 2024-25 school year. 

We are funded through grants and donations.

Each year we hold Jingle & Mingle Holiday Luncheon and Style Show on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving. 

Our next fundraiser is Mission Possible: An Evening of Rock and Roll to be held on March 29. Visit https://www.alindy.org/mission-possible-an-evening-of-rock-and-roll to learn more.

Money raised allows us to continue our mission of commitment and caring in the Central Indiana community.