Assistance League of St. Louis

Our 480 compassionate and caring volunteers deliver services through our five community programs on a purely volunteer basis. We have no paid staff, making us unique in the non-profit community. Our volunteers conduct extensive community assessments and develop programs to meet the needs of children and families in the St. Louis area. The generous hearts and spirits of our members have resulted in a significant impact and positive transformation in the lives of St. Louis children and families through our five community programs.

Books from Friends 

Books from Friends provides books to aspiring readers in underserved communities through interactive book festivals, author visits, community partnerships, and book donations.

This past year we helped promote literacy through 11 interactive book festivals while distributing books to 14,200 students in 36 schools and partnered with the Urban League's Back to School Event fostering a love for learning.

Operation School Bell® 

Operation School Bell provides new school clothing, socks, personal care items, belts, hats and an age-appropriate book to students in St. Louis area elementary schools.  Operation School Bell also supports 36 closets to provide year-round clothing, shoes, coats and other necessities in the schools across five districts we serve. Approximately 3,400 students in 44 public schools this past year have been served and 115,000 since 1990. 

Steps to Success 

Steps to Success boosts students' confidence and academic engagement by providing new athletic shoes and socks.  3,454 students in 41 schools received new athletic shoes and socks this past year.

Project ROSE (Raise Our Self Esteem) 

Project ROSE offers hope and dignity to women in need by providing essential items, clothing, and scholarships for those in shelters and transitional situations.  This past year 36 scholarships were granted through St. Louis Community College, empowering women to uplift their lives. Additionally, we supported women in five shelters with first-night bags and donated 150 assault survivor kits.

Assistance League Outreach 

Empowering those in crisis with a hand-up, not a handout. Responding swiftly, we provide essential emergency assistance, including clothing, hygiene products, household goods, and more. Our dedicated volunteers serve as a bridge for those transitioning out of homelessness, ensuring timely relief for families in need and providing essential beds while restoring hope and dignity.

Assistance League of St. Louis collaborated with 24 schools and 19 agencies and supported the urgent needs of 2,297 people in crisis. This year, we encountered a surge in bed requests, and provided 183 beds, packaged with new pillows, sheets, and bedding.