Since 2017
16,000
Coats
16,000
Students
32
Schools
433,000
Raised
70
Average of schools we support experiencing children living at or below the poverty line.
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 16,000 coats for 16,000 elementary students at 32 different schools.
We hope you will join us on this inspiring journey to help foster our next generation in need.
In 2025, the need has never been greater. Join us on Friday, November 14, 2025!
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.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Our traditional campsite in downtown Newport will be open again in 2025 for our 9th Annual Campout! 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. If you are more comfortable, camping from the friendly confines of your own backyard, you can do that too! In 2025, 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 Registration Opens in August 2025.
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 Dom’s Pizza and Big D’s BBQ, LIVE Music with Sam Smick, Craft Beer from our friends at 2SP Brewing, Wine from Frank’s Wine, A Make Your Own Smores Bar, fire-side chats, live music and silent auction. A $10 donation at the door is encouraged, per attendee.
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:
