Shreveport, La. – Volunteers will give out more than 1,500 new coats to schoolchildren in Shreveport, Bossier City and Monroe this week. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue), Healthy Blue Louisiana and other community organizations will host events at three North Louisiana elementary schools as part of a partnership with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing warmth, confidence and hope for children in need.
At each event, volunteers will help students pick out, try on and get fitted for a brand-new coat to keep them warm in the upcoming winter months. Students will return to class with new coats that they can take home.
Media are invited to attend, take photos and video, and interview representatives from the schools and volunteer organizations between 9-10 a.m. at each event. Media must comply with all school guidelines on whether and how children can be included in event coverage.
TODAY: SHREVEPORT event – Monday, Sept. 22, 9-10 a.m.
J.S. Clark Elementary School
351 Hearne Ave., Shreveport
TOMORROW: BOSSIER CITY event – Tuesday, Sept. 23, 9-10 a.m.
Meadowview Elementary
4312 Shed Road, Bossier City
MONROE event – Wednesday, Sept. 24, 9-10 a.m.
J.S. Clark Magnet Elementary
1207 Washington St., Monroe
Volunteers also are hosting two Operation Warm events at elementary schools in Southwest Louisiana to give out more than 500 new pairs of shoes.
Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats for children in need. We partner with compassionate individuals, community organizations, and corporations across North America to provide emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future through the gift of a brand-new coat. Over the last 20 years, Operation Warm and our partners have used the coat as a bridge for families in need to access everything from flu shots to new books. Donations can be made at www.operationwarm.org.