Bringing warmth and confidence to local kids this winter
Operation Warm and FedEx delivered 20,000 brand-new coats in the fall of 2025
In a significant effort to tackle the effects of winter hardship on children, FedEx Cares volunteers across the United States and Canada recently joined forces with the nonprofit organization Operation Warm to deliver coats to kids in need.
Through this collaboration, we successfully delivered 20,000 brand new winter coats to students at local elementary schools, transforming a basic necessity into a powerful tool of empowerment.
It's more than just outerwear—it’s about empowering futures. This initiative extends beyond simply providing clothing; it actively supports Operation Warm’s core mission: to provide warmth, confidence, and hope to children through essential clothing and basic needs programs.
FedEx volunteers took a personal approach, spending time with each student during a special "mini-shopping experience." This allowed the children to choose their own colors and sizes, while volunteers were able to ensure every child left with a smile and a coat that fit well and made them feel good about themselves.
“Our volunteers love the opportunity to directly help children in their local communities,” said Rachel Kesselman, FedEx Cares team member and lead organizer for the collaboration with Operation Warm. “These coats are new, and the fittings help ensure the coats will last as the children continue to growth throughout the winter months.”
While FedEx distributed thousands of coats to more than 45 schools across North America this fall, the charitable outreach extended globally year-round, with additional coats reaching children in Chile and Argentina in South America during their winter season.
The success of these recent coat deliveries builds on a strong history of collaboration. Since 2016, this joint initiative has helped deliver over 1.7 million coats, making a measurable difference in helping children stay warm and confident as they begin the school year and navigate the cold months.
Operation Warm's commitment to young lives is multifaceted. Beyond coats, the organization also provides essential items such as new shoes with socks and sports bras to students in need.
With a highly efficient model, 95% of all donations directly fund these vital clothing programs. Over the past 25 years, Operation Warm has positively impacted more than 7 million young lives, underscoring the long-term, transformative power of providing essential basic needs.