“This looks nice and warm,” said a young student while holding out his arms in his new winter jacket provided by the Rotary Club of Bradford and Rotary Foundation.
The child, who is a student at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School (GGB), is one of more than 138 children in the Bradford Area School District who received winter jackets just in time for the area’s first winter snow storm through the Rotary Foundation’s Operation WARM program.
Approximately half of the jackets donated were also delivered to children at School Street Elementary School, said GGB Principal Erin Waugaman.
“So often we see children coming to school on cold mornings wearing just a sweatshirt,” Waugaman said. “It is such a gift to be able to provide a warm coat to any child that needs one.”
She said if staff members notice a student without a warm jacket, they will ask the youngster discreetly if they would like to select a new one.
The local program, under the direction of Dr. George P. Evans, who is executive director of the Bradford Rotary Foundation, has provided a wide variety of coats in different colors for children to select. Donations for the program came from the pockets of Bradford Rotarians.
“Operation WARM is a genuinely heart-warming endeavor that embraces the kindness and sensitivity of Rotarians,” Evans remarked.
He said the coat project is conducted through a non-profit organization located in Chadds Ford and Philadelphia. In partnering with the local Rotary, the program’s aim is to provide children’s coats manufactured by leading garment makers. Other goals of the program are to empower children to attend school regularly and build strong self-esteem and happiness in every child. Evans said the local Rotary’s mission is to “keep children warm as they trudge through the harsh winters that identify the Bradford region” and understand they will never be left alone and are deeply appreciated.
Paul Ridley, a Rotarian and president of the Bradford Area School Board, said the program identifies and addresses serious needs in the community.
“Local Rotarians continue to be very sensitive to those needs that are too often overwhelming for too many families,” Ridley said.
Jim Tingley, president of the Bradford Rotary Club, said the project underscores the purpose of Rotary International’s own foundation, which this year is celebrating its 100th year. In addition, he said the program “is one of the finest examples of each “Rotarian’s practice of service above self.”
“Helping others is the hallmark of a Rotarian’s generosity and kindness,” Tingley said.
Meanwhile, second-grade teacher Ally Baker offered a different perspective on the program and how it helps the children.
“Their needs have to be taken care in order for them to be successful in school,” Baker said. “If their needs aren’t met, it contributes to their behavior” and their ability to focus on learning.
Waugaman said the Rotary Club’s program has been augmented through the donations of several boxes of hats, mittens and scarves provided by the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Athletic Department.
“I’ve told the teachers if they see a need for anything, we have many warm clothes that the kids can select from in the office,” she said. “They can send them down (to the office) and they can shop for whatever they need.”
