To keep kids warm, the Rotary Club of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff began distributing winter coats on November 2nd. This season, we anticipate donating around 411 coats. We made the first delivery of 131 coats to Neustro Center of Highwood, North Chicago Community Partners (NCCP), and Waukegan Public Schools. The next set will be delivered to schools Tuesday, November 16th. Over the past 12 years, the Rotary Club of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff has distributed over 6,000 new winter coats.
 
A new coat provides added warmth, comfort, and self-esteem. The club takes special care to get the right sized coat for each kid. According to Ron Hirasawa who participated in past years’ deliveries “Responses from teachers, administrators, and kids have been very heart warming and touching. There is so much need in our own backyards.” You see “joy in [them] getting a new winter coat in the right size.”
 
Rotary Clubs purchase coats from Operation Warm, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to distributing new, high quality winter coats to children in need. Coats are acquired at wholesale prices. To support this and other worthy causes, please donate to the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club Foundation at lflbrotary.org. For more information, see Mary Kelly’s earlier article on patch at patch.com/illinois/lakeforest/ep/2540428.