For
children with only a threadbare jacket, old sneakers, and no gloves or hat,
winter is a harsh reminder that they are poor.
Walking to school, waiting for the bus, or going out at recess can be cold,
wet, uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
Some would rather stay home from school than face this ordeal.
Warm
winter coats and boots are expensive.
For many parents, no matter how long or hard they work, these are items
they simply cannot afford. Their
children make do with layers of sweaters, old shoes, no mittens or hat. To alleviate their hardship the WARM KIDS
Project began in 1986.
WARM KIDS is dedicated to providing new
coats, boots, hats and mittens for children identified by their elementary
school staff as being in need. Infants
and preschool children identified by local agencies also receive snowsuits,
coats and boots from WARM KIDS.
In 1986,
our first year, 87 children received garments.
Responding to demand, that number grew to 325 the next year and to 850
in 1988. Since then, we have served an
average of 800 children annually. Yet,
we still can’t meet all the requests that come in.
WARM KIDS purchases
only new, first-quality garments. Your
heart would warm to see the little faces light up with joy as they get what
might be the first new clothing they can remember. These are quality items that can last through
several years wear and can even be passed on to another child or sibling.
WARM KIDS is funded through donations from
caring individuals and organizations.
The purchasing power of donations is maximized through the teamwork of
over 70 volunteers, donated distribution space, and special wholesale buying
arrangements with local businesses.
You can
play a vital role in funding WARM KIDS’ effort to protect children from the
elements of winter. Every $45 enables us
to provide a warm new coat, sturdy boots, hat and gloves to a child this
November. Your generosity will be truly
appreciated by many children and families.
