Teaming Up to Provide New Coats for Children in Need

The Woodland District 50 community, Gurnee Rotary Club and Operation Warm are partnering to ask the community for help in raising $25,000 so Woodland children in need receive a new winter coat.

Gurnee Rotary has worked in the past with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing warmth, confidence and hope for children in need. This year, the club offered to work with Woodland schools in order to help children in our communities. To make an online donation, create a team, or support an existing team such as the Woodland PTA just go to www.operationwarm.org/gurneerotary .

"This is an opportunity for community members to demonstrate the warmth in their hearts and provide some relief to families in need," said Dr. Joy Swoboda, Superintendent of Woodland District 50 schools. "Like Operation Warm, we believe every child deserves a brand new coat regardless of their economic situation."

Gurnee Rotary Club Immediate Past President Randy Blaser said, "The object of Rotary is Service Above Self and Operation Warm exemplifies our mission by allowing us to provide service to our young people in need."

With more than a third of the students signed up for the free and reduced lunch program at Woodland District 50, the need is evident. Plus, Woodland assists families who find themselves under economic stress due to a sudden change in their households. A new winter coat for a child, can allow families to stretch limited resources for basic needs like food and shelter.

A donation of just $20 will purchase one winter coat for a child.

Coats will be distributed discreetly in November to Woodland families in need.

In 2018, Operation Warm celebrates its 20th anniversary with a goal to serve its 3 millionth child. The organization works with compassionate individuals and groups across North America with the belief that a brand new coat is more than a coat, but it also promotes self-esteem, school attendance and outdoor play.