Written on the inside label of the coats Operation Warm distributes to children across the nation is one word that encapsulates the organization's message: "Achieve."
This year, Penn's Greek community hopes to work with Operation Warm to encourage West Philadelphia children to do just that. Last night, representatives from the Panhellenic Council, Penn fraternities and Operation Warm met to discuss their collaboration for the upcoming year.
Founded in 1998, Operation Warm began with the mission of distributing unused winter coats to children. Nine years later, the organization has distributed over 500,000 coats to children in 26 states.
According to Operation Warm Development Director Barbara Loeslein, the jackets are more than a means of warmth. They are made from recycled bottles and represent the organization's hope to empower children to do well in school and "pay it forward" through committing good deeds in their communities.
"When you see the child get the coat and put it on the child, it is a very, very powerful experience," Loeslein said.
The Panhellenic Council became involved with Operation Warm last year, when the organization contacted then-president and College graduate '09 Drew Tye. During the '08-'09 school year, the Council raised $4,600 through private donations and sorority coin jars, translating to 300 new coats - one for each student at Wilson Elementary School.
"Last year we were able to start with small efforts," College senior Haley Samsi said. "This year we can make bigger efforts to get people involved with the project on campus."
The Council plans to expand the Operation Warm project this year to include larger fundraising events, which it hopes will meet its new monetary goal of $5,000. This year's beneficiary school is Drew Charles Elementary School, and the Council intends to give all of the school's 250 to 300 students new coats.
"We're looking forward to working with the greater Greek community this year in brainstorming fundraisers and events to make sure we accomplish our goal," Panhellenic Council president, College senior and former Daily Pennsylvanian editor Alissa Eisenberg said. "We want to make sure every student [at Drew Charles Elementary School] gets a coat."
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