Catalyst for Connection

Operation Warm strives to provide #MoreThanACoat by using the gift of a brand-new coat or pair of shoes as a catalyst for community connection. In 2021, we worked with partners across the United States to bring hope to communities in need and to connect families with essential services.

Brand-new winter coats and athletic shoes were distributed to children in need, and they and their families had the chance to receive vaccination information and/or on-site vaccinations.

Delaware – 2,000 coats were gifted through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Coats were distributed at Westside Health and Nemours Covid-19 vaccination clinics.

Kentucky – 648 coats were gifted through the Kentucky Association of Health Plans. The program was designed to increase vaccineeducation and awareness in Kentucky counties with low Covid-19 vaccination rates. The Community Action Agencies distributed the coats with a vaccination clinic flyer and reported that families were receptive to the vaccination information

The gift of a coat or shoes increased attendance by 87%

across 5 vaccination clinic locations.

North Dakota – 1,000 coats and pairs of shoes were distributed with support from Continental Resources, Marathon Petroleum, and North Dakota Petroleum Foundation. The community resource fair, hosted by NATIVE Inc., offered vaccinations, food, and access to service providers who attended the event to educate families on community resources that they were eligible to receive.

Washington - 400 coats were distributed in collaboration with Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation and Molina Healthcare of Washington at a community fair that also provided Covid-19 vaccinations and food boxes for the community of Longview.