About Us
Our Story
While driving on the streets of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Dick Sanford encountered a sight that eventually spurred the formation of Operation Warm: a group of children – coatless – huddled at a bus stop on a cold December morning in 1998. The sight led Dick to drive to a local department store and purchase every coat in stock. With the help of his local rotary club, those 58 coats were given directly to kids in need.
This gesture of kindness inspired the creation of Operation Warm. The first 58 coats were purchased by one man, but the millions of coats since then have been a result of communities united, working together to improve the livelihood of children living in poverty.
Our Mission
We provide brand new winter coats to children in need, helping to improve self-confidence, peer acceptance, school attendance, and overall wellness.
Learn MoreOur Brand New Coats
When a child who has so little gets to pick out a brand new coat in their favorite color, it not only keeps them warm all winter long, it sets off a spark – it acts as #morethanacoat.
Learn MoreOur Leadership
Richard D. Sanford
Founder & Chairman
Lifelong entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dick founded Operation Warm & the Sanford Foundation in 1998 after a career in technology and finance.
Stephanie Cohen
Chief Financial Officer
After 25 years of finance and operations experience in both the public and private sector, Stephanie joined Operation Warm in 2008.
Rich Lalley
Executive Director
A tenured advertising and brand marketing professional and active Rotarian, Rich leads Operation Warm's organizational strategy, development and community programs.
Financials, Filings and Ratings
Open Up Our Books
We believe in full transparency and that our supporters, program managers and the general public have the right view our financials and filings.
96% Program Efficiency
Operation Warm is a leader in the nonprofit space in efficiency. This past year, 96 cents on every dollar raised went to our coat program.
Highly Rated Nonprofit
We have a 5 star rating on GreatNonprofits and have been recognized by GuideStar as a Gold organization.
News & Press
Creating an Innovative Program to Help More Kids in Need
While Operation Warm provides hundreds of thousands of brand new winter coats each year through the help of its generous donors, partners and supporters, we believe this is far from acceptable…
Read More
Operation Warm Awarded Guidestar Platinum
When it comes to making good donation decisions, GuideStar Platinum is a donor’s best friend. Operation Warm is proud to announce that we have been awarded GuideStar Platinum status by…
Read More