It may still be summer, but we know a lot of local children will need winter coats come December
 
Finishing one major project is rewarding but the calendar puts us at the plate to move on to our next major local project, Operation Warm. 
 
Six years ago when Liz and I heard about this great program, we hoped our club would help to make it happen for Waterloo students. Waterloo has about 12,000 students in public and parochial schools. Approximately 69% are on free or reduced lunch status because of the financial needs of their families. We have only been able to touch a portion of the need but every child we can help makes a difference. 
 
In the first year we were able to purchase about 350 coats. Since then we purchased 800 to 1,000 coats. Every person who helps makes a difference. 
 
Last year District 6000 (the southern half of Iowa) raised enough to purchase 9,000 coats and gave out coats in each one of the 60 towns they have Rotary Clubs. What a feat of generosity! 
This year District 6000 has agreed to help us buy coats for less money by letting us order with them and receiving more coats at a lower price. We have been paying $18 per coat and doing this together we can buy for $14 per coat. 
We already have a great head start. The generosity of the Community Foundation for the past three years has made a huge difference. This year they have awarded us $5,000, McElroy Trust has given us $2,500 and our club has allocated $1,000 towards the project. 
 
This is where all of you can make a difference. Please change as many kids' lives as possible.
 
Please give checks made out to the Community Foundation and give or send to Kelli. 
 
We will be helping kids at Lincoln, Irving, Cunningham, Lowell, Highland, Blessed Sacrament, and Sacred Heart. 
Your help will be an early Christmas gift to help others. 
 
We need to order by the first week of October, so please step up. 
Thank you for caring.