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Kids Walking Outdoors

Operation Warm

For many children, a new coat is more than just protection from the cold—it’s a source of comfort, confidence, and dignity. Operation Warm helps ensure that

every child can face the winter months feeling warm, included, and ready to

learn and grow.

Operation Warm is one of the North Stafford Rotary Club’s most impactful service initiatives, focused on providing warmth, confidence, and care to children in our community. Through this program, we partner with local schools and organizations to provide brand-new winter coats to children in need.. The program is a collaboration between Stafford County Public Schools, Stafford County Fire & Rescue, the North Stafford Rotary, and Operation Warm, a national nonprofit.

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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.

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  • 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.

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.

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Why It Matters

Our members take pride in personally participating in coat distribution events, helping children select coats that fit and reflect their unique style. These moments create lasting connections and reinforce the heart of Rotary’s mission: Service Above Self.

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.

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