Rotary volunteer Jim Bowman is helping to deliver coats through Operation Warm.
Jim has ordered 30 coats using money from Shenanigans for children that are a part of the Family Matters program in Rogers Park. These are new coats that come in different colors and styles so the the kids who wear them aren't labeled the "poor kids.". Operation Warm is a national organization with great economies of scale ordering 200,000 coats this year. This brings the cost per coat down to around $16.00.
Jim is planning a little party, cupcakes and juices, when we deliver the coats on Tuesday, October 25th at 6:00. Family Matters is located at 7731 N. Marshfield Ave. in Chicago (Rodgers Park).. All are welcome.
About Operation Warm
In December 1998, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Sanford read a story in a local Chester County, PA paper that both angered and inspired him. The article talked about, "a bunch of children who were freezing at the bus stop because they did not have winter coats."
Using his own money, Sanford went to a local department store, purchased all its children's coats and then distributed 58 coats to a local social service organization with assistance from his Rotary Club.
One man's gift to a few children has grown into an organization dedicated to warming hundreds of thousands of children. Since Mr. Sanford's personal gesture of kindness in 1998, Operation Warm has distributed more than 500,000 new winter coats to children living in poverty throughout the United States. The new coats are the equivalent of more than $14 million in merchandise. Also, Operation Warm engages in other philanthropic endeavors including making contributions to other charitable organizations in the areas we serve and which Operation Warm has determined provide a meaningful benefit, supporting the charitable giving program. Today Operation Warm is headquartered in Chadds Ford, PA where the staff embraces the mission and vision to change the lives of children. In 2002 Operation Warm became a 501(c)(3).