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TUCSON - On Tuesday Operation School Bell kicked off.

It is a program made up of volunteers from the Assistance League of Tucson who help dress less fortunate kids in the area.

The kids get to pick out their own clothes. "I've never went shopping, my dad never takes me shopping," said one kindergartner.

Paula Harris has been volunteering with the program for more than 8 years. Last year she helped dress 3,800 kids.

"It makes a huge difference in these children's lives. You think it's something really small and it's not. It helps the family out because they don't have to go out and spend the money on clothing for the children; maybe they will buy groceries," said Harris.

Each child gets three shirts, two bottoms, a jacket, backpack and other essentials to start the school year off right.

Paula says many times kids come in with shoes that are a few sizes too small.

"It makes you very emotional that you know these children are going to have a tough road to hope for the rest of their lives and that education truly is the only way out for this child. You just hope with all your might that it's going to make a difference," said Harris.

Children are in grades kindergarten through fifth and this shopping trip may be their first time to have brand new clothes.

"We don't have a lot of clothes at our house so we will finally have some clothes to wear," said 4th grader Angel De La Rosa.

"We're lucky we get to do something really fun and we get to see them smile and be happy and that's the best part for us," said Harris.

Harris hopes with new clothes that fit these kids can concentrate on their education. In turn have brighter outlooks for their futures.

Operation School Bell relies on volunteers. To become involved go to www.assistanceleaguetucson.org.