“We at the Clinton County United Way are incredibly thankful to partner with Blaise Alexander Subaru to pull off another successful Operation Warm for the children at Renovo Elementary School. It is a good reminder of why the United Way exists,” said Katrina Selby, Community Outreach Coordinator and Office Manager for the Clinton County United Way.

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats and shoes for children in need.

They partner with compassionate individuals, community organizations and corporations across North America to provide emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed and hope of a brighter future by using the gift as a catalyst for community connection.

Last year, Blaise Alexander Subaru visited Robb Elementary School for the same drive; with two of Subaru’s volunteers — General Manager Dave Kelley and Team Leader Jim Redos — being from Renovo, they jumped at the opportunity to give back to the community they grew up in.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured are volunteers and staff members, back row, from left, are David Walz, Devan Corl, Jim Redos and John Xanthopoulos; front row, from left, are Micheal Poorman, Alisha Rider, Gene Kelley and Katrina Selby.

“It was great coming back to a community we have local ties — to the school Jim and I actually went to,” said Kelley.

Though Renovo Elementary has small class sizes, there is a big need in the community.

“The school serves a very underprivileged population of children with over 70% falling at or below the poverty line. We chose to host the giveaway during the school day so that every child can receive a new coat and pair of shoes. Our hope is that this would provide equity and inclusion for a lower socioeconomic population in our community,” said Selby.

Regardless of whether or not a student’s family was above or below the poverty line, everyone had the opportunity to get a new coat and shoes.

The library was filled with around 170 pairs of shoes, coats and socks for students to choose from and take home.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Laurel Gavlock, Olyssia Tarantella and Kaylee Thorsten are pictured dressed as little old ladies for the 100th day of school, excited to get new shoes!

There was a sizing chart on the floor for students who didn’t know their size, but they were also encouraged to try on shoes and coats as well.

With sizes ranging from a toddler 9 to an adult 9, students had many different shoe colors to choose from. They had many sizes of jackets as well in numerous colors.

“It was very organized,” said Kelley, “We did classroom by classroom and it went very well. All the kids seem happy and that’s what it’s all about,” said Kelley.

“Seeing the smiles was the best part,” said Redos.

A substitute teacher spoke to the crew after the event, thanking the volunteers for all they’d done.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Students line up to receive new coats, with many options to pick from.

According to her, many of the students in her class had already put on their coats and shoes and were visibly excited by the new gift.

The coats and shoes leftover from the event were donated to the school, so that the faculty had extras for any other student in need.

“I think this was an amazing event that helped out a lot of local youth who were in need of coats and sneakers,” said Kelley.

To learn more about the Clinton County United Way visit their website at www.clintoncountyunitedway.org

You can also learn more about Blaise Alexander Subaru on their website, www.alexandersubaruinc.com

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS From left are Blake Kitchen, Nora Kormanec, Olivia Goodling, Brody Dorey and A.J. Billings, showing off their new gear.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Ashlynn Kile is pictured with her new coat and shoes.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Elaina Delaney is pictured with her new coat and shoes.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS The library at Renovo Elementary is seen filled to the brim with shoes and coats for students to take home.