The Delaware KIDS Fund is excited to kick-off the Third Annual “Operation Warm Newport: Delaware KIDS Fund Camping Out for Coats” on Friday, November 8th.
Members of The Delaware KIDS Fund, Harvey, Hanna & Associates and local business leaders along with various community leaders will pitch tents and camp out in a field located at 10 S. James Street to help create awareness for the greater Wilmington/Newport’s population of poverty-stricken children. The campout was created to help raise enough money to purchase 2,000 coats for local elementary children in need. 74% of these children live at or below the poverty line which is three times the national average.
The Delaware KIDS Fund has partnered with Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that works directly with coat manufacturers to create their own line of carefully crafted winter coats made exclusively for kids in a wide variety of styles and colors.
Camp will begin on Friday, November 8th at 5:00 pm and end on Saturday, November 9th at 10:00 am. The KIDS Fund Camping Experience will feature campfires, meals from the campout grill courtesy of James Street Tavern, fire-side acoustical music, S’more’s cookouts and guests from the community for a series of “fire-side chat’s”. The campsite will also feature the “Against the Grain Arts” Camper’s Lounge which will include a snack pantry, first-aid kits, bottled water, coffee station, bar, restrooms, and other essentials.
Camping spots are still available and no money is required to camp. However, donations are encouraged. Anyone can donate to the full camping experience here: http://dekidsfund.com/operation-warm/
On November 19th, The Delaware KIDS Fund and several volunteers from the community will visit a local elementary school to distribute the brand-new coats. Three local schools will be receiving coats this year. Since 2017, the campout has helped raise over $75,000 to help purchase over 3,600 coats for children at 7 different schools.
“Providing a child in a need a brand-new coat creates confidence, peer-acceptance and inspiration”, said Ryan Kennedy, Executive Director – The Delaware KIDS Fund. “If we can inspire these children during this critical period in their lives, they will go on to do amazing things for their own families and our community”.
For full camp details and additional information on Operation Warm Newport, visit: http://dekidsfund.com/operation-warm/
Interested in camping, donating funds or goods, contact: Ryan Kennedy, 302-323-9300 Ext. 117
Camp Details:
Location: 10 S. James Street, Newport, DE 19804 (grass lot across the street from James Street Tavern)
Hours: 11/8, 5:00 PM through 10:00 AM on 11/9
Non-campers are encouraged to visit during the “Camp Kick-Off Party” on Friday, Nov. 8thth from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to attend for a $10 donation (100% donated) for complimentary food, beverage and music.
Donations: 100% of the money raised is going towards the purchase of brand new and personalized coats through Operation Warm.
Financial donations will be accepted on-site.
Donations will also be accepted at Delaware KIDS Fund home office: 405 E. Marsh Lane, Suite 1, Newport, DE 19804 (located within the Newport Industrial Park)
On-Line Donations:
http://dekidsfund.com/operation-warm/ OR www.DEkidsfund.com .Donations are encouraged to camp but not required.
Camp Registration: if interested in camping, campers can register here: https://form.jotform.com/92235584336158 or contact Ryan Kennedy to register.
Email: [email protected] or call 302-323-9300 Ext. 117 / Cell: 302-245-5465
Camp time-lines and camp rules are also posted on the Delaware KIDS Fund website.
2018 Event Highlights: