Fundraiser Generates New Coats for Homeless Children

A local fundraising effort has generated new winter coats for over 130 Howard County children whose families are currently homeless.

The money for the coats was generated through an on-line solicitation for donations, when Courtney Shin Moon of Columbia posted a message, “This holiday season let us all reflect upon the things for which we are thankful.” Money came from family, friends and members of the community who saw the posting on Facebook, neighborhood and mom’s group email lists.

Moon bought over 130 coats from Operation Warm, a non-profit that procures new coats for $15-$17 each, and Princeton Sports of Columbia donated several jackets. Moon helped distribute the coats through Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and through individual school staff members.

“The kindness and generosity of Howard County citizens towards our less fortunate neighbors has made this possible. Clicking a button and donating $15 tax deductible dollars to warm a child this winter is quick, easy and financially do-able for many of us,” Moon said.

Last year, the county’s emergency shelter programs managed by Grassroots housed 417 people, 206 of which were children, from infants to high school students. Another 79 people were served by the Cold Weather Shelter Program, housed in the area’s faith communities, for people who are unable to find emergency shelter when Grassroots is full.

To donate to Operation Warm, visit www.firstgiving.com/warmchild; to donate directly to Grassroots, visit www.grassrootscrisis.org.

Five-year-old Aidan, his mother, Courtney, and Alex Moon, 13, sort coats for distribution to children in the community. Courtney Moon’s on-line solicitation for donations to purchase the coats generated over $2,300 in funds. www.firstgiving.com/warmchild