Storehouse West distributing new coats Feb. 26

Through Storehouse West, Operation Warm and Garcia Subaru are providing 180 brand-new coats to kids in need on Feb. 26 from 5 to 7 pm at 1030 Veranda Road.

“Operation Warm’s mission is to provide only brand-new, quality coats to children in need. Instead of collecting used coats as in a coat drive, they turn generous monetary donations from donors, such as Garcia Subaru, into high-quality, brand-new coats for kids. The significant contribution, made as part of the Subaru Loves to Help initiative, will provide essential support to local children facing urgent needs,” Storehouse West Executive Director Victoria Flick said.

These coats aren’t the usual store-bought coats, either.

“Operation Warm manufactures the coats so that they can control the manufacturing process to ensure the production of high-quality coats at a low cost. Each coat is carefully designed, sized and styled. The 2023 coats have a water repellant shell, a detachable hood, fleece lining, deep pockets and are machine washable,” Flick explained.

They range in size from 4T to adult extra large.

Flick says the importance of the coats is more than just warmth for the winter. She says they enhance mental and emotional well-being, too.

“Operation Warm’s tag line, ‘more than a coat,’ means that the coats don’t just provide physical warmth but also emotional warmth, the confidence to socialize and succeed, and the hope of a brighter future,” she said.

The coat distribution is intended to give coats to kids for next winter.

“This winter coat distribution will supplement the distribution we’ve been doing at the Storehouse West Kids Clothes Closet since October 1, last year. This end of February event will also give children an opportunity to choose a coat sized to fit them next winter,” Flick said.

According to Flick kids need coats as well as other clothing and food more than ever. She attributes the need to rising inflation and reduction of SNAP benefits last year.

“The average number of new households we serve on a monthly basis at Storehouse West has increased 300% in the past year,” she said.

The annual distribution helps Storehouse West fulfill its mission in providing clothing as well as food, assistance with utility bills and referrals to other community services to Sandoval County residents who are in need.

Flick says it will also raise awareness of the services Storehouse West provides. Community members will also be reminded of the need to donate their time to volunteer at Storehouse West and the critical need for donating gently used clothing for our Kids Clothes Closet, food for the pantry and monetary donations to purchase additional food and clothing, as needed.

Storehouse West served more than 5000 households, including 10,000 adults and 5,000 children, during 2023.

“We took in over 250,000 pounds of food, with 90% coming from donations. Our Kids Clothes Closet served almost 900 children last year,” she added.

For more information, visit storehousewest.org.