Aurora students get free coats as temperatures plummet

AURORA, Colo. — As temperatures plummeted Wednesday, Elkhart Elementary School’s library transformed into a free coat store.

Students, guided by volunteers from Civitas Resources, picked out their favorite colors, dug through piles to find the perfect fit and walked away with brand new coats. 

“It means a lot,” said the school’s principal, Angelica Paz. 

About 90% of Elkhart’s students get free and reduced lunch, so this event was a big deal, Paz said.

“For our students to receive a coat that is from $30 to $100, it’s very important because their families work so hard,” she said. “So financially, this is a great support for them.” 

The nonprofit organization Operation Warm manufactured and provided the coats. Their seasonal events coordinator, Sandy Tathanhlong, said it’s about more than giving away a piece of clothing.

“It makes them feel good inside, and they express that on the outside as well,” she said. “They are more confident when they walk around with their brand new coats, styling it as they do, and with that confidence, it just transcends into different areas of their lives.” 

Operation Warm gives out shoes and coats across the country. The timing of this event was particularly meaningful, Tathanhlong said.

“It’s very cold. I want to say what, 30, 40 degrees right now? So it’s great that they’re getting it today,” she said.

For Paz, it’s one less thing she has to worry about as winter approaches. 

“It’s actually kind of emotional just to know our kids that don’t have the opportunity to have a coat from home are receiving that,” she said. “I’m not really worrying about those students coming into school without a coat or appropriate clothing.”