A local group of moms wants to make sure no kid is left out in the cold this winter.
The Cold Lake chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), a support group for moms on their parenting journeys, kicked off the inaugural Operation Warm Up last month.
MOPS put a call out for donations for gently used winter items that could be given to local elementary school teachers for their students in case one comes to school without winter gear.
“Our hope is that, ideally, each teacher would have a set in their classroom and they could say, ‘here you go, here’s some snow pants for you for recess,’” detailed local MOPS co-coordinator Christie Watt.
The initiative was born after MOPS members noticed a need where their children attend classes.
“We just saw so many kids that came to school, and they’re not properly dressed for our weather,” she expressed. “It’s heartbreaking to see them trying to enjoy recess with no hats or mitts, or some are coming in running shoes.”
Items being collected include snow pants, coats, hats, mitts, scarves, and boots.
While they know of other programs that offer families winter outfits for their children, MOPS wanted to cut out the middle man.
“Sometimes parents don’t know, or they’re not available, or they just don’t go and take advantage of them,” explained Jessica Watt, MOPS co-coordinator. “So the kids show up to school without having the proper clothing, and we just wanted to help out.”
With their goal of 50 snowsuits, MOPS is hoping to provide attire for Holy Cross Elementary School, Cold Lake Elementary, Art Smith Aviation Academy, North Star Elementary School, and St. Dominic Elementary School.
Although those are the schools they’re starting with, Christie stressed “we want to reach out as far as we can depending on how much we can get collected.”
“We’d like to get clothes in bigger sizes,” she continued. “As many bigger sizes we can get, whatever we can get we’d love for it to go wherever it can go. Depending on what we get and receive, we’ll distribute it to where it would fit. The more the better, because that means we can reach farther.”
Jessica added, “We’re going to see how much we can collect. This is the first time we’ve done this, so the goal is to have every elementary classroom warm and we’re just waiting to see how much we can bring in.”
Since the donation boxes went out on Oct. 7, MOPS has been busy rounding up the items people have been dropping off.
“The response has been really positive,” Jessica exclaimed. “A lot of people are on board with it, whether they can donate something that’s a full snowsuit or even some hats and mitts. It’s been really well received, and everybody that we’ve talked to thinks this is a great idea and there’s such a need in our community.”
Christie agreed.
“I would say we’re almost halfway to our goal. People are really excited about it. It’s being received well, and that’s exciting.”
Drop-off locations are currently at the Cold Lake Community Church, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Emma’s Café and Convenience.
MOPS members will be rounding up all of the donations on Nov. 15, and giving them a wash before they’re distributed to local schools.
