In preparation for the Chicagoland winter, the International WeLoveU Foundation hosted the Warming the Windy City clothing drive with the Children First Fund. The campaign aims to supply winter gear to elementary school students to bridge the economic gap that the pandemic may have exacerbated. The drive concluded with a special coat donation on November 19.
The drive went on from October 15 to November 15. During that time, WeLoveU collected more than 600 new coats and 1,500 hats, gloves, and socks. One-hundred fifty volunteers prepared handwritten notes of encouragement to put inside each coat pocket. The clothing drive donations went to students in Chicago’s Henry H. Nash Elementary School and Benjamin E. Mays Elementary Academy.
Delivery From WeLoveU!
On Friday, November 19, 2021, volunteers from WeLoveU and CFF arrived at Nash Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. to sort through the coats and divide them by age group. The school provided the gym for distribution and the auditorium for the ceremony. In preparation for the big day, students prepared decorations and thank you notes.
Seats were prepared on the auditorium stage for the government officials and event organizers. In attendance was Alderman Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward, Alderman Roderick Sawyer of the 6th Ward, Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez of Chicago Public Schools, Executive Director Sadie Stockdale Jefferson of Children First Fund, Principal Marcie Byrd of Nash Elementary School, Principal Tanyelle L. Hannah of Benjamin E. Mays Elementary Academy, and Director of Operations Khadia Conteh of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.
Ms. Stockdale Jefferson kicked off the coat donation ceremony. She introduced all the parties onstage and shared a brief history about the Children First Fund. Next, two student ambassadors from Nash Elementary School delivered speeches, expressing their gratitude for the donation. After them, principals of each school spoke, followed by Aldermen Mitts and Sawyer. Lastly, Khadia Conteh spoke on behalf of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. “We try to follow the example of our Chairwoman, which is, ‘What would a mother do in this situation?” After the speeches, a few children came on stage and received a coat from each representative.
Delivery From WeLoveU!
Once the ceremony ended, the students said, “We love you!” to the speakers and then moved to the gym where they would receive their coats. The government officials stayed to help distribute the coats, hats, gloves, and socks with the WeLoveU volunteers. The students were excited to find notes in their coat pockets and asked volunteers to read them aloud. The messages read “You are amazing!” and “When you smile bright, others will smile too!”
The teachers were moved to tears seeing the sincere efforts of the WeLoveU Foundation. “All of our children received coats and warm winter gear, and we are deeply appreciative of your generosity,” said Ms. Jefferson. “Thank you to the volunteers who gave up their time today to hand out coats to these kids and make their week.”
Alderman Rodrick Sawyer and Alderman Emma Mitts asked to continue working with WeLoveU to support the Windy City and thanked the Chairwoman for her support and efforts.
7 thoughts on “The Warming the Windy City Coat Donation Ceremony”
If you grew up in the Windy City or perhaps visited Chicago and experienced its frigid weather, the memory of being so cold, then realizing there’s nothing you can do about it, can make you feel helpless. So it’s perfect that the Chairwoman emphasis the love of a mother who in this situation make every effort to warm each of us
This initative was carried out thoughtfully and the article is concise and touching. It’s wonderful that so many donors were able to support this cause as well.
This was such a touching story to me. I actually went to Henry Nash when I was a child. I remember playing and running in the courtyard in the winter.
I was so happy to hear that the We Love U Foundation was sharing love at my Alma mater!!🤍🤍
The kids look so happy, this is wonderful to see! Stay warm!
This is so heart warming! Chicago sure does get really windy. I am really happy to see the children warm and there smiling faces tell it all! I know they will grow up full of love thinking about the jacket they received from this event! Small actions really lead to huge impacts! WeLoveU Foundation is so considerate of others! It’s beautiful!
Aaawww this is so adorable. I know those kids must be so happy. Good job We Love U.
Such a great organization and event. It’s so beautiful how We Love U cares deeply and even considers the small details. Anything to bring love, joy and a smile to those the foundation serves.
I thought it was very cute and touching that they put notes in the pockets of the coats like how your mom may put an encouraging message in your pocket or lunchbox to cheer you up.