NOVEMBER 17, 2023 - PLAINFIELD, NJ – On Thursday, November 16, 2023, Operation Warm, a leading nonprofit organization, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dedicated to providing brand-new coats and shoes to children in need, is making a significant impact at Washington Community School. The initiative ensured that the warmth and comfort of brand-new coats reached all students in grades, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Volunteers, teachers, Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan, Board Vice President Sarah B. Virgo, Board Commissioner Victor Webb, Anthony Jenkins, Ed. D., Principal, Natasha DeJesus, Assistant Principal, and others assisted the children picking out their coats and trying them on for size. This exciting event was led by school social workers, Tiffany Summersett and Eufalis Perez. According to the social workers, the event was an important measure for the culture and climate of the school; “Our students enjoyed the event and we are extremely happy with its (the event’s) success”, stated Summersett.
Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., Superintendent of Schools, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "Operation Warm's commitment to ensuring that every child has a warm coat is truly commendable. This partnership with Operation Warm is a testament to the community's collective effort in caring for our children.”
Commissioner Hanae M. Wyatt, Board President, echoed these sentiments, saying, "As a community, we have a responsibility to look out for one another, especially our children. Operation Warm's dedication to providing brand-new coats to our students aligns with our mission to create a nurturing and supportive environment for our students.”
Anthony Jenkins, Ed. D., school principal, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the students at Washington Community School. "The impact of Operation Warm extends beyond the physical warmth provided by the coats. It sends a powerful message to our students that their community cares about them and is invested in their well-being. This gesture not only protects them from the cold but also boosts their confidence and self-esteem."
Operation Warm, with over 20 years of service to children, partners with various nonprofit organizations, communities, and school districts, to provide winter coats. Operation Warm's coat donation event at Washington Community School is a collaborative effort that showcases the power of community support and highlights the impact that can be achieved when organizations join forces for a common cause.
For more information about this story or the Plainfield Public School District, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at, information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.
###