2023 Coat Count

2,760

Since 2017

14,000

Coats

14,000

Students

26

Schools

383,000

Raised

70

Average of schools we support experiencing children living at or below the poverty line.

9

Nights of Sleeping Outside

Our Mission

After learning about the high percentages of children living at or below the poverty line in our local elementary schools between Newport, Stanton and the Wilmington area, Sam’s KIDS (formerly Delaware KIDS Fund) and Harvey, Hanna & Associates partnered with national non-profit coat manufacturer and distributor, Operation Warm. The mission is simple: provide EVERY child at EVERY school a brand-new Operation Warm coat. A new coat for a child creates a sense of pride, offers physical and emotional warmth, boosts confidence and self-esteem, increases peer acceptance and improves daily attendance in school. It’s more than a coat. Altogether, this creates a stronger foundation for our community.

In 2017, Sam’s KIDS (formerly The Delaware KIDS Fund) created a community-wide, challenge based fundraising platform. A team of brave volunteers decided to sleep outside for one night in the heart of Newport, Delaware. Camping out on a frigid night in November represents a commitment to warming up our children in need and to help accelerate monetary donations. Since our first camp in 2017, Sam’s KIDS (formerly The Delaware KIDS Fund) has been able to raise enough money to purchase over 14,000 coats for 14,000 elementary students at 26 different schools.

We hope you will join us on this inspiring journey to help foster our next generation in need.

In 2023, the need has never been greater.

Please consider donating ($25 = 1 coat) and/or .. consider camping out for a coat. Our traditional camp headquarters in downtown Newport will be OPEN again! However, we are also offering a socially distant option for those that would like to campout at home during the same time. From Newport to backyards, front yards, local parks and beyond. We ask that you consider registering for camp (and/or donate) to help warm up another school (or two) this winter. 2024 CAMP DATE and Event Information TBD. 

Sam’s KIDS (formerly Delaware KIDS Fund) is a 501(c)3 organization established and founded in 2008 by Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Inc. and is dedicated to providing goods and services to children at risk and in distressed situations.

Camping

Friday, November 17, 2023
Our traditional campsite in downtown Newport will be open again in 2023! We invite you to camp for a coat! Camping outside represents a commitment to warming up local children in need, inspiring confidence, boosting self-esteem, and improving peer acceptance. NEW FORMAT: If you are more comfortable, camping from the friendly confines of your own backyard, you can do that too! In 2023, we will be offering the option to Camp in Newport  OR  Camp at Home. For those camping in Newport – BREAKFAST will be provided from our friends at Mary’s Kountry Kitchen on Saturday morning before camp closes.

Camp Kick-Off Happy Hour: Continuing our tradition of celebrating our campsite and our campers, ALL are welcome to stop by our Annul Camp Kick-Off Happy Hour from 5pm-9pm at Camp Headquarters in Newport. Featuring warm (and cold) drinks, food from James Street Tavern, LIVE Music with Sam Smick, Craft Beer from our friends at 2SP Brewing, A Make Your Own Smores Bar, fire-side chats, live music and silent auction. A $10 donation at the door is encouraged, per attendee.

The event will also include special presentation at 6:30 PM honoring one of The Delaware KIDS Fund greatest ambassadors, Sam J. Hanna. During the presentation, the KIDS Fund and Sam’s family will officially reveal the new name of the KIDS Fund to help celebrate and honor Sam Hanna and his longstanding commitment to community and dedication to our next generation in need.

How Does it Work?

  • Register to camp through the link below
  • Fundraising instructions and camp FAQ’s will be emailed directly from our KIDS Fund camp counselors.
  • Share, share, share! Click here for our 2023 Camp Poster and share with your friends! Click here to download.
  • Grab your camping gear, pitch a tent, set up a bonfire and huddle up with your friends and family and camp for a coat!
    #itsmorethanacoat
    #communitystrong!

Contact

Camping for Coats Event Director
Ryan Kennedy
302-245-5465 | ryan@kennedyideas.com | www.kennedyideas.com

 

info@samkids.org
www.samskids.org

405 E. Marsh Lane
Suite 1
Newport, DE 19804

 

For all inquiries, volunteer opportunities and various sponsorship opportunities, contact Ryan Kennedy at ryan@kennedyideas.com or use the form below:

    In The Press

    Our
    Sponsors