Operation Warm started in 1998 as a service project of the Rotary Club of Longwood in Kennett Square, Pa., when one members bought and distributed 58 coats for children in a nearby school. The organization incorporated in 2002 to provide new coats to impoverished children.
Since then, the foundation has distributed coats to children in 49 states and the District of Columbia and has provided nearly 1.7 million coats. The foundation works with community-based organizations, including more than 160 Rotary Clubs.
Rotarian Steve Thorpe and his wife, Liz, first learned about Operation Warm when attending a 2010 Minnesota Rotary meeting. They brought the idea back to the Waterloo club.
"When a new idea is presented for a project for the club, the board of directors discusses whether to be involved, then it goes to the club for a vote," Steve said.
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In its first year, the club raised enough money to purchase 300 coats. In 2012, it provided 700 coats; in 2013, 1,000 coats and last year 850 coats. The Rotary Club also received support from The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, the McElroy Trust and the Rotary Foundation.
"The student receiving the coats are picked by the family support worker or school administrator as a child of need. There are 24 colors and designs for both boys and girls. It doesn’t make the recipients stand out as ‘one of those kids’ who got a new winter coat," said Steve. "Our members have been supportive financially and in helping us measure and fits students for the coats."
Anyone interested in participating in Operation Warm may call Steve or Liz Thorpe at (319) 235-3352 or (319)984-9139.
Other service projects include volleyball and football luncheons honoring senior players from West, East and Columbus schools in Waterloo, Don Bosco in Gilbertville and Cedar Falls' Valley Lutheran.
"The school gets a traveling trophy with the players name on it and the Metro MVP gets a plaque. All MVPs gets a certificate," said Kelli McCarthy, executive administrator. Top students in academics from each high school are also recognized annually with an honor luncheon.
The Rotary Club also sponsors three-$1,000 scholarships to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and Allen College of Nursing in Waterloo. Also, the Salvation Army receives funds each year from the club’s annual Christmas fundraiser.
"At our holiday luncheon, we have people from the Salvation Army stand at the door with the kettle as our members and guests arrive. We also take collections for about two weeks after the holiday luncheon. Every year it is a different amount, but has been between $10,000 and $12,000 for the past several years," said McCarthy.
Another major fundraiser is Hops & Grapes, with proceeds split between two local nonprofit organizations. Proceeds have benefited the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program, the Boys & Girls Club of the Cedar Valley and the Boy Scouts of America Winnebago Council.
There will be no Hops & Grapes event this year because of  the centennial celebration.
