Before a child can receive the essentials they need, someone must first recognize that the need exists. More often than not, that person is a teacher.
Today, on Teacher Appreciation Day, we’re celebrating the educators who go far beyond the classroom—those who not only teach and care for their students, but who advocate for their most basic needs.
At Operation Warm, we hear from teachers nationwide who take the time to fill out our Wish List application—a way for schools and organizations to request support for children in their care who lack essentials like brand-new coats and shoes. By submitting a Wish List request, they help us understand where support is most urgently needed.
- “Many of our students have recently immigrated from other warm countries and they are not ready for cold weather with the appropriate clothing. Many families do not have the means to buy warm coats and shoes.” - 2025 Wish List Applicant
We’ve read countless heartfelt applications, and the message is clear: teachers go far beyond the classroom. They see the unseen. They notice the untied shoes that don’t fit. They understand what it means when a child avoids recess or misses school during the winter months. And they do something about it.
- “[Our students] are often in low-income households and many are being raised by their grandparents. Their caregivers struggle to meet their basic needs... New, high-quality coats, socks, and shoes mean the world to the children and help to relieve the financial burden from caregivers.” - 2025 Wish List Applicant
Some teachers describe children who walk over a mile to school in harsh winter weather—without adequate clothing. For many of these students, the coats and shoes they receive through Operation Warm are the first new items of clothing they’ve ever had.
- “Many students walk over a mile to school in the winter months through many different kinds of winter weather. These coats and shoes would be so helpful to keep them safe and warm and in school.” -2025 Wish List Applicant
In other classrooms, the lack of appropriate clothing leads to missed school days, bullying, and isolation.
- “Many of these students have to miss school because they do not have appropriate clothing for the weather. These students experience bullying due to not having clean or in good condition clothing and shoes. Having something clean, in good shape and weather appropriate could really change the lives of the students we serve and give them a sense of pride.” - 2025 Wish List Applicant
To all the educators out there: thank you for stepping up and recognizing the need in your community. Because of teachers like you, we’re able to reach the children who need support most – and without you they wouldn’t receive the necessities needed to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Is Your School or Organization in Need of Operation Warm resources?
If you work with children in need of new coats and shoes, you can apply through Operation Warm’s Wish List.
