At Bonzy, we’re aware that far, far too many children don’t have a good quality winter coat to keep them warm. That’s why we’ve partnered with companies and foundations to bring our Coat Day events to schools with children who need new winter coats. Companies provide funding and volunteers. Company associates assist elementary school students in selecting their new winter coats. Every student at that school receives a new winter coat. Coat Days are great days for everyone involved.
The Coat Days program supports children from low- and moderate-income families through their schools. We work with local school districts to prioritize schools with the most at-risk students. With available funding, Bonzy purchases new winter coats from Operation Warm as one of their community partners.
Children Grow Out of Their Clothes Every Six Months
According to data from the National Center for Educational Statistics, over 46,000 elementary school children in Franklin County participate in free or reduced-price meal programs. Many of these children come to school in thin fleeces or sweatshirts on the coldest days of winter. These children need new winter coats. Bonzy supports their health and well-being through our Coat Day program.
Many young students miss school or struggle to focus simply because they do not have a warm winter coat. Coat Days help change that by easing financial stress for families and making sure children are warm, present, and ready to learn. For schools, students, and volunteers alike, Coat Days are more than an event. Coat Days show children that people really care about them. Volunteers make a connection to their community and feel good about making a difference in the lives of these children.
As a community partner, Bonzy purchases new winter coats from Operation Warm with the funding raised throughout the year from corporations, foundations, and individuals. On Coat Days, volunteers visit schools and assist students in the selection of their brand-new winter coats. Since the program’s beginning, Bonzy has kept more than 12,000 children in the Columbus Community warm with new winter coats.
Funding raised throughout the year from corporations
Bonzy purchases coats from Operation Warm
Volunteers assist students in selecting their new winter coats
Bonzy Charities has been acknowledged by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC – an independent bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury) for CRA-eligible Activities relating to grants made to Bonzy Charities by banks for the purchase of new winter coats for children of low- and moderate-income families. Banks are eligible to receive Community Reinvestment Act Credit for grants to Bonzy Charities, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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Operation Warm is a nonprofit organization operating across North America bringing winter coats and shoes to children in need. Through community partners such as Bonzy Charities, Operation Warm manufactures and distributes more than 800,000 new winter coats each year throughout the United States and Canada.
As a Community Partner with Operation Warm, Bonzy purchases new winter coats for Coat Days at elementary schools. Every student at participating schools receives a new winter coat individually fitted by our volunteers.
“The delight on the faces of the children were incredible, but the humbling words from the parents of these children just melted our hearts. Thank you so much for the needed
coats. They were such a blessing.”
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continued support and your dedication to helping children in need in your community. I look forward to many more years of partnership between Operation Warm and Bonzy Charities and the even larger impact we can continue to make together next year!
To learn more about our Coat Days program, including information on how to be part of it, please reach out to Bonzy Charities today.