Operation Warm provides new winter coats to children in need through strategic partnerships with donors and community organizations. Our vision is that every child wearing a new winter coat is healthy, is able to attend school regularly, and has strong self-esteem. We hope that each child we reach believes, “I am of value.”
Operation Warm began when philanthropist Richard Sanford read a story in a local newspaper about children standing at the bus stop without a winter coat. It was December 1998 and 20°F outside. Appalled, Mr. Sanford went to a local department store, purchased the entire children’s outerwear inventory – fifty eight winter coats and distributed them through a local social service agency with the assistance of his Rotary Club. By the end of our first decade, Operation Warm distributed in excess of 500,000 new winter coats.
Operation Warm identifies strategic partners in the field who represent leadership, high impact and whose focus is on improving the lives of children and families living in poverty. Our partnerships leverage the gift of a new winter coat to create value and require measurement, thus generating greater impact. Coats are distributed in eight geographic footprints: the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Seattle. Operation Warm responded to national disasters, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005 with a gift of 15,000 new winter coats.
Operation Warm provides new, high quality winter coats to children in need. A new winter coat affords more than warmth; it enables a child to arrive at school on time and ready to learn. A new coat also improves feelings of self-worth thus eliminating issues of social isolation inherent to children living in need. A warm winter coat is among the most requested items by schools and social service agencies.
Specialties
Philanthropy, Service Learning Program, Student Engagements
