Non-profit organization donated jackets to kids in need in Billings

Billings, Montana – On Tuesday, a non-profit that works with groups around the country to ensure that no child goes without a warm jacket this winter visited the Magic City.

They’re named ‘Operation Warm,’ and they teamed up with Mountain America Credit Union to gather cash and distribute 240 coats to Explorers Academy Head Start preschool children.

“With over 14% of kids in Montana living in poverty, it is so critical that we help support wherever we can,” said Brittani Forbush, AVP of Strategic Partnerships at Mountain America Credit Union.

Janice King, the school’s executive director, said the new jackets will help their children arrive at school healthy and ready to learn.

90 percent of the youngsters they see live in poverty or are on the verge of becoming so, according to King. Many families are struggling right now, according to King, and having a new coat can help them focus on managing monthly household expenses.

“Having something like a warm coat definitely brings safety and security to a child. It really shows a child we really care about them, and the community cares about them, and those are things that really help a child flourish in an environment. Children are confident, they have better attendance and like I said, they get those skills they need to be ready for kindergarten,” said King.