PROGRAM MISSION

To provide new, winter outerwear to Worcester children in need to foster comfort and confidence in an effort to increase attendance and participation in school.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Coats for Kids Program provides new winter outerwear to children in need throughout the district which includes 48 schools, the Worcester Head Start Program, the Worcester Family Partnership Program and several area homeless shelters. Almost 3,000 winter jackets, hats, mittens and/or sweatshirts are distributed to infants through high school aged students annually. In addition,winter outerwear is provided to the Parent Information Center for families arriving from other countries, registering in our schools.

The WPS Coats for Kids Committee is comprised of volunteers, administrators, teachers and community members. The committee helps plan events, fundraising and distribution.

Worcester children receive new winter outerwear through the support of many Worcester area businesses, foundations, organizations, churches, individuals and the Worcester Public Schools Principals Association. The WPS Coats for Kids Program has been so successful because of the many businesses and individuals who have joined our efforts and generously contributed monetary donations or provided items for our fundraiser.

All monetary donations are made through The Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF) which serves as the fiscal agent for the WPS Coats for Kids Program. WEDF was founded in 2005 for the sole purpose of supporting the WPS and identifying resources to meet the needs of students. The WEDF maintains 501c(3) non-profit status.

All donations (monies/coats/hats/mittens/fundraising items...) are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS.

Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc.
210 Park Avenue Suite 224 | Worcester, MA 01609 | www.wedfwps.org