New Clothing for Wildfire-Affected Children

Wildfire relief

City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The January wildfires in Southern California devastated countless families, leaving many children without essential items. Many families lost their homes, their belongings and their stability. Four months later, families continue to face immense challenges - not only in accessing basic necessities, but also living under the constant fear of immigration enforcement and deportation. Families avoid assistance programs out of concern for their immigration status, and many schools see students wearing hand-me-downs. Educators tell us that students are more likely to come to school ready to learn when they have what they need to feel warm, comfortable, and confident. "A new pair of shoes allows people to feel like they matter and that they are human again,” said Jonathan Tsou of Foothill Unity Center in Monrovia. Removing barriers to school attendance is a protective factor for long term health, well-being, social mobility, and a positive trajectory for individual success.

Unlike a clothing drive, Operation Warm manufactures our own brand-new, high-quality coats and athletic-style shoes for school-aged children. Our coats come in 12 sizes and a variety of colors and styles with water resistant shells, fleece linings, deep pockets, and hoods. Our shoes are built to last, machine-washable, and come with two pairs of socks. Kids have the "shopping experience" to choose their favorite color and style. Every $25 funds one coat or one pair of shoes and socks. We mandate and oversee factory audits for all vendors, conducted by internationally recognized third-party compliance partners.
Operation Warm's disaster relief fund provides coats and shoes to children affected by hurricanes, fires, flooding, and other natural disasters in the United States. When a natural disaster strikes, Operation Warm is ready to step in as communities move from crisis to recovery. We respond to the needs of our beneficiaries by supporting our emergency response partners, including Foothill Unity Center, the Yarrow Family YMCA, and more. Operation Warm gives children the opportunity to overcome the trauma of a natural disaster. Providing basic needs gives children a feeling of security and hope in uncertain times, gives families an immediate boost, and increases their access to other valuable community services that promote sustained economic recovery.

A new coat or pair of shoes goes beyond a second-hand piece of clothing, it provides a sense of security to a child who has lost so much to a natural disaster. The gift of a basic need will directly provide comfort, confidence, and hope to children in their time of crisis. It will alleviate families' stress and budgeting concerns. Children can attend school regularly, promoting improved educational outcomes and access to nutritious meals and healthy outdoor play. Kids will gain the strength to stay resilient during difficult times, supportive relationships, and feelings of belonging that give them a stronger start in life.
"Operation Warm not only gifted our students shoes, socks, and warm coats, but it gifted their families hope," said Gloria Castillo of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School.
"Operation Warm's generosity is greatly appreciated and will be remembered by our community long after they have worn [the shoes.]" said Veronica Alcantar of the Pasadena Unified School District.