About Warm Kids Project
The Warm Kids Project supports nine Kalamazoo County school districts, select preschools, and four county agencies by providing winter clothing for the equivalent of 20% of each building’s population of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The Warm Kids Project funds the purchase of winter coats and boots, and secures volunteers to organize and pack clothing for pickup by the 62 sites served. In 2023, the project distributed 1,716 coats and 1,776 boots.
For 20 years, CIS has partnered with the Warm Kids Project to distribute new winter wear directly to kids in Kalamazoo Public Schools buildings. Site teams identify students who will receive clothing, measure the kids, contact parents, process the order forms, and distribute the clothing.
In addition to the Kalamazoo Public Schools buildings with CIS site coordinator presence, the remaining 8 school districts, KRESA, and County Agencies already supported by the program will continue to be served through CIS of Kalamazoo. CIS Executive Director James Devers stated, “CIS is committed to honoring the legacy of the Warm Kids Project’s founders and supporters by continuing to serve the other currently supported schools and organizations in our community.”
Additionally, current board members at the Warm Kids Project have committed to stay involved to ensure a smooth transition to maintain the current footprint and distribution model.
The Warm Kids Project has been a longstanding partner that we, and other area schools and agencies, have counted on for many years for a significant supply of new cold weather clothing for students from low-income families. Our staff and board agreed that the Warm Kids Project’s value to the community cannot be overstated and that we are well equipped in terms of mission alignment and operational capacity to ensure that this great work continues.James DeversCIS Executive Director
Schools and Agencies Supported through the Warm Kids Project
We will continue supporting the existing schools and agencies that the Warm Kids Project has historically served. In early October, each school and agency receives an order form for winter clothing. Stated on the order form is a clothing allowance for the site, based on the number of students enrolled at each site and the number of students qualified to receive free and reduced lunch.The staff at each site determines who will receive clothing. Order forms are returned to Warm Kids Project by the end of October, and clothing is distributed to the schools by early November. There is no cost to the school or agency for the clothing they receive.Kalamazoo County School Districts (Pre-K through Grade 5):
| Climax-Scotts | Comstock | Galesburg-Augusta | Kalamazoo Public | Parchment | Plainwell | Portage Public | Schoolcraft | Vicksburg | Paramount Charter Academy |
Local agencies served:
| 9th Circuit Court - Family Division | Comstock Community Learning Center | Integrated Services of Kalamazoo | KRESA - Kalamazoo County Head Start | KRESA - West Campus | KRESA - Woods Edge Learning Center | Learning Village Preschool - Lake Street |