Since 2011, Cobb EMC has supported Operation Warmth, an annual effort that collects new winter coats for students in need in Cobb County and Marietta City Schools.

Coats are an expensive item that often need to be repurchased year after year as children continue to grow. Even if a family can afford a coat one year, they may have no choice but for their child to go without the next. Operation Warmth works directly with school guidance counselors and office staff to fill the exact coat needs of our local schools. By giving new coats to children, we’re boosting confidence and self-esteem, enabling health and wellbeing, and keeping kids in school.

Each year, Cobb EMC and its employees donate coats to this initiative, which collects over 1,200 coats for children annually. Over the past few years, our members have asked how they can also get involved.

Here’s how you can help:

• Purchase coats and drop them off at our office by December 16 – We need new coats for both girls and boys, children’s sizes 4-6 through 16-18. We do receive some requests for older students as well, so juniors and young adult sizes XS-3XL are also accepted. You can purchase and drop coats off in the collection box in Cobb EMC’s front office during normal business hours.

• Organize your own coat collection – You can organize your own collection with your neighbors or friends, then bring your combined donations to our office during normal business hours by December 16.

• Donate coats on behalf of a friend or family member as a gift alternative – Donating coats to the community can be a great holiday gift alternative for those in your life who are notoriously hard to shop for! If you donate a coat on a friend or family member’s behalf, email us at marketing@cobbemc.com and we will send you a special e-card that you can share with your loved one.

• Make a monetary donation – When you donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund within the Cobb Community Foundation, all funds received will be used to purchase coats specific to the needs of the students.

With your help, we can make a difference for children in our community.

Questions? Email us at marketing@cobbemc.com.