Every student at Lexington Elementary walked away with more than just a new coat this week — they left with warmth, confidence and a reminder that their community cares.
Through a partnership between Operation Warm and Chick-fil-A, more than 300 students in the Marlington Local School District received brand-new winter coats during a special event held at the school.
Operation Warm, a nonprofit that manufactures coats, shoes and other essential clothing items, has served more than 7 million children across the United States and Canada since its founding in 1998.
“We have so many students, especially at Title I schools, that don’t even have a coat,” said Nery Silverio, senior program manager for Operation Warm. “Some are wearing hand-me-downs. This gives them a shopping experience — they get to choose the color they like, try it on and walk away with something that’s truly theirs.”
Unlike traditional assistance programs, every student at Lexington Elementary was included, regardless of income level.
“That’s correct — everyone gets a coat,” Silverio said. “It doesn’t matter what a family’s situation looks like.”
The event was made possible through Chick-fil-A, which provided funding and volunteers. Team members from multiple Stark County locations took time away from their restaurants to help students select coats and ensure proper fit.
Dan Brandenstein, owner of the Chick-fil-A in Alliance, said the event reflects the company’s commitment to community involvement.
“We’re in the people business,” Brandenstein said. “To see the smiles on these kids’ faces — some of them getting their first proper coat — it’s incredibly rewarding.”
At the school level, the effort was spearheaded by family support specialists Jill Ginther and Krystal Sourwine, who worked to bring the opportunity to Lexington Elementary.
Ginther said she learned about Operation Warm through her educational service center and quickly applied when the opportunity arose.
“We see the need every day,” Ginther said. “There are students coming in without proper coats, and we do what we can. This takes it to another level.”
Sourwine said the emotional impact of the event stood out most.
“It’s just amazing to see every single child included,” she said. “No one is singled out. Every child matters, and you can see it in their smiles.”
The coats were distributed in a way that allowed students to browse and choose their own, creating what organizers described as a dignified and empowering experience.
School officials say they hope to expand the program to other buildings in the district in the future.
Marlington Local Schools Superintendent Dan Swisher praised the effort and its impact on students.
“This is what community partnership is all about,” Swisher said. “When organizations come together to support our students, it makes a lasting difference — not just physically, but emotionally. We’re grateful for everyone who helped make this possible.”
For many students, the new coats represent more than protection from the cold — they symbolize care, inclusion and a community rallying around its youngest members.
