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About Us

Operation Warm, founded in 1998 by Dick Sanford provides new winter coats to elementary-age children living in poverty.  To ensure our coats find homes with the children who need them most, we collaborate with a wide range of organizations, corporations, colleges and universities, and of course with individual supporters.

It is through the creative and thoughtful ideas of many of our supporters that Operation Warm has been able to expand its reach throughout the country and raise the money needed to supply these coats. In February 2012, Operation Warm handed out its one millionth coat!

Operation Warm truly believes  that every child deserves a new winter coat to keep them warm during cold weather.  While efforts of like-minded organizations to  supply children with “gently used” garments are to be applauded, Operation Warm sees firsthand that  having a new, quality coat supports a child’s wellbeing, builds self-esteem, and fosters a feeling of worth for children living in poverty.

A new winter coat makes it possible for children to stay healthy, attend school regularly and enjoy active outdoor play.  To provide the highest quality coats at the best possible price, Operation Warm works directly with manufacturers to custom order the majority of its coats.  

Starting in 2011, Operation Warm began exploring opportunities to migrate a portion of our manufacturing to the United States in support of Workforce Development, thereby demonstrating our commitment to help break the cycle of poverty.

In 2010, Operation Warm assumed responsibility for the Coats for Kids Foundation, a long-time partner of Operation Warm.  With the retirement of the Coats for Kids founders, the foundation and its important work has become a service of Operation Warm with efforts focused specifically on the Greater Washington, D.C. Metro area.

OPERATION WARM VALUES

• Operation Warm is committed to excellence by providing quality new coats to children in need, thus inspiring hope in a dignified way.

• Through teamwork and collaboration, Operation Warm is committed to leveraging our partnerships to increase impact and foster positive social change.

• Operation Warm is committed to leadership through service and stewardship, by demonstrating an innovative approach and passionate spirit.

In these tough economic times words cannot express the impact that Operation Warm had on the families of our programs. Seeing the appreciation on the faces of parents and children shows the need for these services. We are glad to have been a part of this wonderful experience and hope that with Operation Warm we are able to keep our families warm for years to come.

~ Marcelo Juica
Latino After-School Initiative's
Executive Director