Operation Warm: 1,000+ ACPS Students Gifted New Sneakers for Final Stretch of School Year

Operation Warm put a little “pep in the step” of our students at three Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) this month by providing them with a brand new pair of athletic shoes. During Operation Warm’s March 14, 2025 visit, the non-profit along with Beazer Homes, a new community partner at James K. Polk Elementary School, gave all 770 Polk Elementary School students new sneakers and some additional school supplies. The following week, Operation Warm brought sneakers for approximately 170 of ACPS’ youngest students at the Early Childhood Center. On March 26, Operation Warm and FedEx Cares volunteers gifted 320 new pairs of sneakers to students at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology.

“Moments of kindness and generosity make for a lasting impact – whether it’s a fourth grader and his bestie being able to select identical pairs of sneakers or a pre-K student selecting their favorite color with their mom volunteer. The recent shoe gifting events -- made possible by our incredible partners at Operation Warm, Beazer Homes and FedEx Cares -- were really bucket-filling moments, bringing excitement, confidence and a sense of support to our students and families. We can’t thank our partners and volunteers enough!,” said Taneika Taylor Tukan, executive director, ACPS Office of Community Partnerships and Engagement.

 These events are all a part of the non-profit Operation Warm’s mission for every child to feel the warmth, confidence and hope that comes from the gift of something new, made just for them. The generosity of Operation Warm, Beazer Homes and FedEx Cares is appreciated by our students and their families who feel good to know that our schools and partners are here to support them and help all of our students achieve their full potential. ACPS appreciates all that our partner organizations do to help keep our students on track as they race toward the end of a successful school year in their new athletic shoes.