Photo

As part of its corporate partnership program, Assistance League of Diablo Valley received $5,000 from Wells Fargo to be directed toward its philanthropic programs.

Assistance League has served the county for 45 years by staffing eight philanthropic programs, including operation school bell, a nationally acclaimed program that outfits elementary schoolchildren for a more successful school experience, specifically in attendance, campus citizenship and academic performance.

Last school year, operation school bell provided clothes and shoes for 3,697 elementary children. Beginning in 2005, Wells Fargo employees have volunteered as personal shoppers for elementary students; this annual involvement as encouraged students to "emerge a stronger self."

On Aug. 22, Wells Fargo's Stephen Hitchcock, senior vice president and district manager presented a $5,000 to Assistance League President Linda Mercer to continue funding for the school bell program. The contribution is especially significant in light of the budget cuts in community services proposed at the county level, a release stated.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.