Spreading Comfort and Care, One Coat at a Time: GSF Foundation Committees Share Winter Warmth with More Than 480 Children

Delighted giggles echoed through classrooms as students at Tome Elementary in New Mexico received new winter coats from GSF Foundation (GSFF) volunteers. Children tried on their jackets immediately, laughing and celebrating when they realized they would be twinning with their classmates. Matching coats brought matching smiles in Albuquerque, where winter nights can dip below freezing. Through the Foundation’s Coats for Kids program, volunteers around the U.S. ensured that more than 480 children entered winter wrapped not only in warmth but in the reassuring feeling that someone cares. Since the program’s inception, GSFF committees nationwide have provided more than 7,000 coats to children in their communities. Committee members coordinated with schools, gathered sizes, and placed orders to meet every child’s needs. At Tome Elementary, volunteers from the Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) Albuquerque team witnessed heart-warming reactions.

“One little boy rushed over and gave me the biggest hug,” recalled Arturo Saenz, Inventory Control Clerk and Committee Treasurer. “It reminded me of the good our organization is doing.”

Brittany Gillespie, Operations Clerk and Committee Chair, added, “Seeing their excitement made every bit of work worth it.”

In Texas, where recent intense winter storms have impacted communities, the QCD Frisco team partnered with Chavez Elementary to deliver nearly 200 coats.

“A coat can turn a cold day into a moment of comfort,” said Brande Bond, QCD’s Group Vice President, Customer Service and Development and Committee Chair for QCD Frisco.

In the Northeast, the KanPak New York GSFF committee transformed a delivery into a holiday celebration at Keuka Lake School. Mike Smith, a KanPak associate, and his wife, Tammy, arrived as Santa and Mrs. Claus to hand out Christmas presents and coats, while other associates joined as elves.

“One little girl stopped in her tracks when she saw Santa. Her face broke into the biggest smile,” said Sondra Warriner, Accounting Specialist and Committee Chair for KanPak New York. “Another child couldn’t believe Santa knew his name and favorite superhero.”

When the team accidentally ordered extra coats, they didn’t hesitate to share the warmth with other local schools and nonprofits.

“Seeing faces light up in joy captures the spirit of what we do: improving the quality of life for children and families,” shared Sondra. “It reminded us how something as simple as a coat and a little holiday fun can mean so much.”