Did you know that approximately 15 million children in the United States live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold? Most of these children’s parents work, but low wages and unstable employment leave their families struggling to make ends meet. As temperatures drop, the need for warm winter clothes spikes for children in need. While the need for warm coats has never been greater, it has also never been easier to meet this vital need in our community.

This year, the Community Investments Program is thrilled to announce a new project opportunity! If the Lodge has not applied for grants yet, consider using an Anniversary, Beacon or Gratitude grant to partner with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing hope, happiness and warmth for children in need through the gift of new winter coats. Remember, 2018-19 grant applications close December 31 at 11:59 pm CT.

Using a CIP grant, Lodges can purchase winter coats and host parties to personally fit children with a new coat. Each fitting ends with the child writing their name in the interior tag which reads, “Made Just for You.” This program has the potential to strengthen your community in more ways than one. Beyond warmth, a new coat positively impacts a child’s school attendance, self-esteem, and overall health and well-being. The gift will also provide a much-needed financial blessing to their families.

Visit enf.elks.org/operationwarm to learn more about this new opportunity.