Annual Report 2022-2023

ANNUAL REPORT

2022-2023

SINCE 1998 WE HAVE SERVED 5 MILLION CHILDREN

2023 BY THE NUMBERS

CHILDREN SERVED

650,000 STATES AND PROVINCES

58 COMMUNITIES SERVED

1,250

*Based on unique zip codes served VOLUNTEER HOURS

125,000+

MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Fiscal year end 2023 was a milestone year for Operation Warm. We served our five-millionth child. We brought the gift of hope to over 1,250 communities across North America during a year when soaring costs of living put basic needs out of reach for many families. We actively extended our network of community partners, corporate supporters, community and family foundations, dedicated volunteers, and passionate individual supporters, empowering us to connect families with vital services for their basic needs, while fostering impactful volunteerism and charitable-giving initiatives. And just as importantly, we listened—to our program beneficiaries, who described needs beyond the scope of our offerings; to our funders, who let us know they wanted to do more to serve their communities; and to kids, who told us what they still need: high-quality, yearround clothing essentials.

The cornerstone of Operation Warm’s services has always been providing the gift of a brand–new winter coat to under-resourced children, but of course, kids’ needs don’t end when the weather gets warm. For low-income families struggling to pay for food, rent, and healthcare at prices that sit at 5% higher than last year, it can be next to impossible to afford the clothing items kids outgrow the fastest— like shoes for young feet that are already feeling the pinch of last season’s pair. It’s tough to “be a kid”—and to get the most out of school, sports, and playing with friends—when you don’t have the essentials you need to be comfortable and confident. That’s why we’re continuously innovating to find more ways to serve kids year-round with clothing that’s well-fitting, protective, and supportive.

We’re continuing to double down on our coat-gifting efforts, we’ll continue to expand our program to distribute brand-new athletic-style shoes, and we are launching a new program that will lay the groundwork for future initiatives to empower young athletes.

Operation Warm has always been proud to offer so much #MoreThanACoat, and “More” keeps growing by leaps and bounds. All these new possibilities bring us a warm feeling—we hope you are as excited as we are!

Warmly,

Grace Sica

Executive Director | Operation Warm

MISSION

Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence, and hope through basic needs programs that connect under-served children to community resources they need to thrive.

Our vision is to inspire and empower local communities to support under-served children by using the gift of clothing essentials as a catalyst for connection. With this gift, our supporters can either build national impact programs or activate highly focused programs in their own communities. Since our inception, we’ve used the gift of a coat or pair of shoes, to connect under-resourced children with a host of life-sustaining resources and services—from library books to flu shots. We continue to seek ways to evolve our product line and build our network of community partners so we can keep bringing kids the essentials they need to thrive.

LCH staff and volunteers helped Operation Warm serve its five millionth child.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental, Sustainablility, Governance Goals

As a charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) determination, Operation Warm exists to promote the public good. Increasingly our people – board members, children we serve, partner organizations, and staff - are asking us to do even better. We want to keep pace with societal trends and ensure that our business practices are aligned with the Environmental, Social and Governance policies we value.

Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the United Nations published a universal call to “transform our world” by ending poverty, protecting the planet, and promoting peace and prosperity for people of all ages. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a plan of action focused on 17 integrated goals to be achieved by 2030. Our areas of focus involve how our basic need programs contribute to ending poverty and connecting children and families in need to other essential resources.

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING QUALITY EDUCATION NO POVERTY

Our gifting events are opportunities to unite caring volunteers and organizations around the goals of both reducing poverty and alleviating its effects on children and families.

We believe that access to sports and outdoor play is essential for children’s physical and mental health. The gifts of brand-new coats and athletic shoes not only provide basic needs to the children we serve but also promote their overall health and well-being.

Our coats and shoes help reduce school absenteeism, so kids can get the benefits of nutritious school meals. Our events introduce families to community resources and organizations that work to alleviate hunger.

2023 IMPACT

With over 24 years of experience and expertise, Operation Warm has built a solid foundation in reaching children most in need, delivering clothing they can be proud of, and providing exceptional support to volunteers along the way. In fiscal year end 2023 alone, Operation Warm distributed over 650,000 winter coats and pairs of shoes to more than 1,250 communities across 58 states and provinces in North America through nearly 125,000 hours of volunteering.

The impact of these efforts was assessed through direct surveys with our partners and beneficiary organizations. The survey results revealed significant positive outcomes. When asked how the coats and shoes impacted the children who received them:

93% said the coats and shoes eased a financial burden for the child’s caregivers

81% said the coats and shoes increased self-esteem and confidence

86% said the coats and shoes provided a positive community interaction

IN 2023, OPERATION WARM SERVED ITS 5 millionth child

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

OW’s commitment transcends providing essential items such as coats and shoes. We also strive to alleviate the financial burdens faced by low-income families and to help them discover new sources of hope and resilience. Through the provision of new Operation Warm coats or shoes, children gain more than just clothing. OW’s comprehensive approach reflects our understanding that supporting children’s basic needs extends far beyond material necessities. By addressing financial challenges and enhancing educational experiences, OW empowers children to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

COATS:

Our flagship product, Operation Warm coats are high-quality, long-lasting, and kid-approved. Our coats come in a variety of colors and styles with water-resistant shells, fleece linings, deep pockets and hoods. They are sized to fit children size 3T to 16 and juniors (big kid) size S – XL. We refresh our styles and colors every year to ensure we’re in style and on trend.

SHOES:

Operation Warm manufactures our own line of high-quality athletic-style shoes. They are machine-washable—perfect for those hard-playing, mud-puddle-stomping days. They come in six kid-friendly colors and 12 sizes for kids aged Pre-K to 3rd grade (toddler size 7 through kids’ size 6).

WHY NEW MATTERS:

1. Health and Well-being: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to cold temperatures can significantly impact children’s health. New coats are crucial to providing proper insulation and protection from harsh weather conditions, ensuring that children stay healthy and safe during winter.

2. Academic Performance: A study conducted by the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) found that children who lack access to adequate clothing, including shoes, are more likely to experience absenteeism and difficulty focusing in school. New shoes provide comfort and support, reducing the risk of foot-related issues and promoting better concentration and engagement in the classroom.

3. Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence: Research by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) highlights that children living in poverty often face stigmatization and social exclusion due to their clothing’s condition. By providing new coats and shoes, we can help enhance their self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to participate in school activities, social interactions, and extracurricular programs with a sense of dignity and pride.

4. By addressing the critical need for new coats and shoes among children in need, we can positively impact their health, academic performance, and overall wellbeing, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to thrive and reach their full potential.

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS

33 active CIVs 31,000+ corporate and community volunteers nationwide CIVs helped support 35 gifting events

COMMUNITY IMPACT VOLUNTEERS

In 2022 Operation Warm launched the Community Impact Volunteer (CIV) program, a unique opportunity for individuals to create lasting impact in the lives of children in need by volunteering with OW all year round.

Why Volunteer with Operation Warm?

Meaningful Impact: As a Community Impact Volunteer, you’ll directly contribute to our mission of ensuring no child goes without a warm coat during the cold winter months.

Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and families in your community.

Flexible Opportunities: We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule and preferences, from coat distribution events to fundraising efforts.

Personal Growth: Volunteering with Operation Warm is not just about giving back; it’s also an opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and creating lifelong memories.

Be a Part of Something Bigger: Join a nationwide network of volunteers working towards a common goal: keeping children warm and fostering a brighter future for all.

How You Can Get Involved:

Coat Distribution Events: Help us distribute brand-new winter coats to children in need at local schools, shelters, and community centers.

Fundraising: Organize or participate in fundraising events to support our cause, ensuring we can provide even more coats to those who need them.

Advocacy: Raise awareness about childhood poverty and the impact of warm coats through community outreach and education.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Visit our website and complete your application, today!

Operation Warm

FINANCIALS

Total Income ............................................. $ 45,391,384

Program Services ...................................... $ 40,620,964

Management and General ............................ $ 527,844

Fundraising $ 1,797,246

Total Expenses .......................................... $ 42,946,054

Income for 2023 Programs ......................... $ 2,445,330

Net Assets, End of Period .......................... $ 11,560,200

PROGRAM EFFICIENCY:

95%

A MEGA MILESTONE

Dick Sanford was driving through his small Pennsylvania town one freezing winter morning in 1998, when he saw a group of children – coatless – huddled together at their bus stop, trying to stay warm. Shocked to see such poverty in his own community, Dick bought all 58 coats available at his local department store and got those coats to the kids who needed them. Operation Warm was born.

For the last 24 years, caring individuals, organizations and companies have joined Dick and the Operation Warm team to give brand new coats and athletic shoes to children across North America.

In 2023, Operation Warm served its 5 millionth child.

LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Barry Abelson Esq.

Senior Counsel, Troutman Pepper LLP

Mr. Basil Anderson

Former Vice Chairman, Staples, Inc.

Ms. Susan Bailey

Principal and Practice Leader, Corporate Solutions Consulting

Mr. Scott Beaumont

Co-founder and former Chief Executive Office of Lilly Pulitzer

Ms. Stephanie Cohen

CFO, Treasurer & Secretary, Operation Warm

Mr. J.B. Doherty

CFO and Co-Founder, JBF Stainless LLC

Ms. Dominique DuMouchel

Business Development

Director, Glenmede Trust Company

Ms. Kristen Hamer

Director of Corporate and External Partnerships for the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

Ms. Katharine MacGregor

Vice President Environmental Services, Florida Power and Light

Mr. Samuel L. Nesbit, Jr.

Senior Vice President of Operations, Canada and U.S. Stations, FedEx Express

Mr. Gregory Pratt

Chairman of the Board, Carpenter Technology Corporation

Mr. Dick Sanford

Founder and CEO, Operation Warm

Ms. Pina Starnino

Former Vice President of Operations, FedEx Express Canada (2007-2023)

Mr. Alexander F. Stern

Senior Vice President, Strategy and M&A, IBM

Mr. John Stockman

CFC Cyber Defense - Americas, SAP Americas

Ms. Tara Toocheck

Campaign Manager, Running the World for Children

Mr. Tim Wallace

Strategic Advisor and Entrepreneur

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As we reflect on the incredible impact we’ve made together this past year, we are both humbled and inspired by the positive change Operation Warm has brought to the lives of countless children and families in need. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and generosity of people like you.

Join us on this incredible journey and be a part of the change we wish to see in the world.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:

Your contributions, no matter the size, have the power to transform lives. Your donation will help us provide brand new winter coats to children in underserved communities, ensuring they stay warm during harsh winters. Every dollar counts and makes a real impact.

Share your time, skills, and passion with Operation Warm. Whether it’s helping with coat distribution events, assisting in fundraising campaigns, or participating in community outreach programs, your dedication will create lasting memories and make a significant difference.

Advocate for Operation Warm’s mission by spreading awareness among your family, friends, and colleagues. Follow us on social media, share our success stories, and encourage others to join the cause.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

If you represent a business or organization, consider becoming a corporate partner. Together, we can create even greater outreach and have a transformative effect on the communities we serve.

Thank you for your unwavering support and for making Operation Warm’s mission possible!

Host a fundraising event in your local community or workplace. From charity runs to bake sales, there are countless ways to have fun while supporting a meaningful cause.

Leave a lasting impact by including Operation Warm in your estate planning. Your legacy gift will ensure that our work continues to touch lives for generations to come.

To make an impact on the life of a child in need visit: www.operationwarm.org