Amazon and Operation Warm Provide Coats and Shoes to Cora Kelly and William Ramsay Students

Alexandria City Public Schools students wore big smiles as they tried on stylish new coats and shoes provided by Amazon and Operation Warm this week. The two organizations hosted gifting events at William Ramsay Elementary School (William Ramsay) and Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology (Cora Kelly), during which all students received brand new coats and Grade K-2 students also received a new pair of shoes. Additionally, Amazon donated comfort kits to all students, which included backpacks with toiletry items, as well as hats, socks and gloves to prepare them for winter weather.

Operation Warm and Amazon visited Cora Kelly on Sept. 27, 2023, and William Ramsay on Sept. 28, 2023. The gifting events were coordinated as part of Amazon’s Global Month of Volunteering, where employees in the DMV and across the world come together in September to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, adding to the company’s efforts to support its local communities throughout the year. Amazon and Operation Warm have a shared commitment to meet the basic needs of schoolchildren and help eliminate barriers to learning by providing access to school supplies, clothing and other resources they need in order to focus on their studies. 

“Operation Warm provides kids with the essentials they need to thrive and be comfortable during the winter months,” Melissa Robinson, principal program manager of volunteering at Amazon, said. “Amazon is proud to partner with Operation Warm and Alexandria City Public Schools during our Global Month of Volunteering to meet the urgent needs of the amazing students at Cora Kelly and William Ramsay so they receive the resources needed to learn and thrive.”

Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt took part in the activities and joined the principals at each school in expressing deep gratitude to the organizations and the more than 70 Amazon volunteers who helped our students at these events over the two days.

"I was excited to see the looks on our Cougar students' faces when they were able to select a pair of brand new shoes and a coat for the winter! I am grateful to Amazon for selecting our school and I know this act of service will warm the hearts of many in our school community," Cora Kelly Principal Jasibi Crews-West said.

William Ramsay Principal Michael Routhouska said, "Relationships with outside partners have played an essential role in the success of William Ramsay students, and we are excited that Amazon, in collaboration with Operation Warm, has joined our outside partnership team to help fulfill some basic needs. In order for our students to ascend the ladder of cognitive growth and become critical, higher-order thinkers, their basic fundamental needs must be met, and we are happy to have additional partners securing the ground under William Ramsay’s ladder.”

The students loved their shopping experience and the story time activities during the events that made it all the more fun. It is events like these that represent the bridge between our community partnerships and families and ensure our students can thrive in school.

"Through our collaborations, like the one with Amazon, we aim to provide children and families in need warmth, confidence and hope. It is incredible to witness the transformative power of a brand-new coat and pair of shoes on a child's self-esteem and well-being. We want these students and their families to know that their community cares for them, believes in them and invests in their future,” Operation Warm Executive Director Grace Sica said.