This fall, the Corporate Office and the Lincoln Branch teamed up with Lincoln Firefighters Local #644 for the 6th Annual Operation Warm Winter Coat Drive. This was our 5th year participating as a sponsor. Operation Warm is a 501(c)3 charity that raises money to buy new winter coats for children in need in our community. Operation Warm was started in 2014 and has collected enough donations each year to provide new winter coats to over 3,000 Lincoln children. Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest is proud to be included each year to help make this coat drive a success.

In the past, two elementary schools have been chosen each year based on their enrollment in the free/reduced lunch program. To qualify for that program, a family of four must make less than $33,475 annually. This year, the Lincoln Firefighters were fortunate enough to help three Lincoln elementary schools based on the amount of donations from sponsors and the people in our community. Donations to Operation Warm are tax deductible and always stay in Lincoln.

Each year, Commonwealth employees are welcomed to help hand the coats out at the schools. This year’s schools were Elliott Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, and Clinton Elementary. Each family with children who attend the chosen schools have the option to accept or decline a new winter coat for their child. The children are also provided with a new winter hat and gloves from a sponsor.

Operation Warm is a great program for the less fortunate in our community. It’s a pleasure to participate each year and do our part to help these children stay warm during the cold winter months. If you are interested in finding out more information about Operation Warm, please contact Crystal Martinez at the Corporate Office in Lincoln.