Joining Forces for Greater Impact
Beginning July 1st, 2025, Coats for Kids Cleveland and Operation Warm are combining efforts to better serve children in northeast Ohio and beyond. Operation Warm has been a trusted partner since 2011, collaborating closely with Coats for Kids to provide brand-new winter coats.
By coming together, we are honoring Coats for Kids’ legacy by ensuring every child receives the warmth, confidence, and hope they deserve.
Maintain Your Commitment
What to expect
Why is Coats for Kids Cleveland joining Operation Warm?
CFK and OW share a mission of providing warmth to children in need. By joining forces, we can expand our reach, streamline operations, and improve our efforts in northeast Ohio and beyond. Our long-term partnership with CFK began in 2011, when they teamed with OW to serve Ohio children, including the procurement of coats. Together, we will continue to grow stronger, ensuring even greater support for our community.
Will the Coats for Kids Cleveland name still be used?
CFK’s programs will continue under the Operation Warm brand. While the CFK name will be retired, we will honor its legacy through our continued commitment to northeast Ohio’s children.
How will this affect beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries will continue to receive high-quality coats, just as they have before, but it also means that beneficiaries will now have access to Operation Warm’s additional products and programs, including shoes, socks, and sports bras. This merger allows us to serve children in need with enhanced resources and support, ensuring greater efficiency and a broader reach throughout northeast Ohio and beyond.
Can I donate gently worn winter coats?
Coats for Kids discontinued the donated coat portion of its annual campaign in November 2023. This decision was made to enhance efficiency and productivity by redirecting resources previously allocated to collecting and processing used coats.
Those looking to repurpose gently worn winter coats are encouraged to donate them to one of the many local organizations that accept these types of donations. For a list of donation locations in Cuyahoga County, click here.
Will my donations still support Cleveland-area children?
Yes! Funds raised for northeast Ohio will continue to directly support children in the region and throughout the state. OW remains committed to local impact.
Do I need to update my donation process?
You should have received communication from Coats for Kids Cleveland regarding your donation. If you would like to donate or set up a recurring donation that will support kids in Northeast Ohio, you can do that here.
How can my company continue supporting coat distribution?
We encourage corporate partners and sponsors to continue their involvement. Visit the Operation Warm Corporate Partnerships page to learn more.
Additionally, each partner will have an Operation Warm account manager assigned to answer questions and help with the partnership. If you haven’t heard from someone at Operation Warm, please complete this form and your account manager will be in touch.
Can my organization still request coats?
Yes, schools/organizations that have requested coats from Coats for Kids in the past will be able to request coats from Operation Warm via the Wish List on their website (see below). Coats for Kids has shared detailed recipient information with Operation Warm to ensure a seamless transition and continued support.
How can we request coats?
Schools and organizations can request coats by completing an application through the Wish List on the Operation Warm website. The application for Fall/Winter 2025 will open in April 2025.
- If your organization has previously received coats from Coats for Kids, select “YES” when asked, “Has your organization ever completed a Wish List Application, or have you been invited to apply this year?”
- Then, find and select your organization’s name from the dropdown menu.
At the time of the merger, the Coats for Kids website will be redirected to the Operation Warm website for a seamless transition.
What if I partnered with Ohio’s TANF initiative?
Yes. When completing the application, be sure to select “YES” for the TANF question. Operation Warm will contact you directly if funding becomes available.
What is the minimum number of coats I can request?
The minimum quantity of coats that can be requested from Operation Warm is 36.
Is there a local point of contact?
Yes, Coats for Kids representatives will continue to work closely with Operation Warm to provide support moving forward. You can reach them at CFKC@operationwarm.org.
Can I still volunteer locally?
Absolutely! Volunteer opportunities will remain, and we will work to ensure a smooth transition under OW. Coats for Kids maintains a database of volunteers, and that list will be shared with Operation Warm.
Will volunteer sign-ups change?
We will provide updates on volunteer applications, but opportunities will continue to be available for northeast Ohio-area events.
