Operation Warm

Help Keep Stafford Students Warm is an annual community initiative in Stafford County, Virginia, that ensures no child goes without a warm winter coat. The program is a collaboration between Stafford County Public Schools, Stafford County Fire & Rescue, the North Stafford Rotary, and Operation Warm, a national nonprofit.

What Is Operation Warm?

Operation Warm is a U.S.-based nonprofit founded in 1998 that provides brand-new, high-quality coats and shoes to children in need. More than just warmth, these coats offer comfort, confidence, and the knowledge that their community cares.

Every $25 donated supplies a child with a new winter coat.
Since its start, Operation Warm has helped millions of children across North America.

The Stafford County Campaign

In Stafford County, school counselors identify students in need—over 1,200 children in 2024 alone. The campaign then works to supply each child with a brand-new coat before winter weather sets in.

Help Keep Stafford Students Warm – Operation Warm

The North Stafford Rotary plays an important role in the local effort:

Raising awareness about the need in our schools.
Collecting community donations.
Partnering with businesses and residents to sponsor coats.
Volunteering to help distribute coats to students alongside other community groups.

Other key partners include Stafford County Fire & Rescue, which hosts collection and distribution events, and local businesses that sponsor or support the drive.

Why It Matters

A warm coat means:

Better school attendance during cold months.
The ability to enjoy outdoor play and activities.
Higher self-esteem and confidence.
A strong reminder to children that their community values and supports them.