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Meet Your Neighbor: Lolita Kelley
By Callie Thomas
This year, the advertising for back to school supplies, backpacks, shoes and clothing started even before the last of the Fourth of July fireworks had fizzled out. Retailers wanted to get a jump on the school year, hoping to increase consumer sales. From crayons to khakis, the discounts were already in full force. Even old school programs like “layaway” have been offered to make it easier for parents to gear up for another school year, a sign that even more families might be struggling with getting their kids ready for the first school bell. Thanks to the efforts of 89144 resident Lolita Kelley and other committed volunteers throughout the community, families in need are able to clothe their children for school through an important program called Operation School Bell.
Kelley’s family moved to Vegas in 1972 when her husband got transferred with the Hilton Hotel Corporation. Kelley had been involved with the Lions Club Ladies Auxiliary and her children’s PTA, as well as an auxiliary of the Assistance League of Southern California in her hometown. After moving to Las Vegas, a friend asked Kelley to join the Assistance League chapter in the area, which, in 1983, was still in its infancy. “Our main philanthropic program was Operation School Bell to help clothe needy children in grades K-8 recommended through the Clark County School District,” she said. “We started in a decorated classroom in a junior high in North Las Vegas. All of our clothing at the time was nearly new, donated by our members.” Kelley and other volunteers sorted through the many donated bags of clothing and took them home to be washed and mended. They clothed 350 children in that first year. Today the league provides clothing, shoes and supplies to more than 7300 students in Clark County each year. “The Assistance League does this with no paid staff,” says Kelley. “All of our members are volunteers. I have never known so many caring women, and being a part of this group has been a privilege.”
Throughout her membership, Kelley has also held various board positions and chaired several committees. In 1996, through its Fund Development Committee, the organization received a $1.67 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The grant required that the group raise matching funds, and the dedicated team rose to the occasion to help build the league’s facility, which today still houses Operation School Bell, the Thrift Shop and meeting space at 6446 West Charleston. “I loved being the Chairman of Operation School Bell, working hands on with the children,” notes Kelley. “Nothing compares to seeing the delight on small faces when they receive brand new clothing, shoes and supplies for school that they were able to pick out from a stylish selection. This has given me an amazing sense of satisfaction.”
ast year, Kelley held the position of Fourth Vice President, Chairman of Fund Resources. “This has not been an easy year for any charity with the state economy, but we have been blessed with so many hard working volunteer members,” she said. This year, the League will partner with the International Academy of Design & Technology to inspire donations for Operation School Bell. In the words of Project Runway host Tim Gunn, the group will “make it happen” by creating a giant outfit that will be displayed in shopping malls and at media interviews across the valley. The oversized outfit will include a pair of 6-foot-tall jeans, a 4-foot-long shirt and a 5-foot-long hoodie.
Lolita Kelley has inspired others to reach out and lend a helping hand throughout the community, which includes her own three children. “I’m proud of all the wonderful projects that Assistance League does for our community. We have been very fortunate to live in such a caring and giving city.” For information on Operation School Bell, call 870-2002 or visit www.allv.org.
