I had the pleasure of talking at length with the founders when they were just conceiving the concept of Warm Coats For Cool Kids. What passion they have for helping the people in their community! I am stunned at the enthusiasm and dedication put forth to launch this non-profit and get warm coats to hundreds of children so quickly. I will be donating often and encouraging my friends and family to do the same. Chicago winters are brutal. I am proud my dollars are being used for such a great cause.
WC4CK is an amazing organization! Our Bensenville Wood Dale Rotary worked with Garry to distribute coats in our community. It was the biggest distribution we have had yet! Garry and his crew were wonderful and really worked with us to make sure we reached all kids in need. I won't hesitate to ever reach out to WC4CK when we are in need.
I had the pleasure of volunteering with Warm Coats for Cool Kids in October. Their founder, Garry Vaccaro, truly leads with his heart. I was impressed by his compassion and willingness to go above and beyond to make sure kids in our community stay warm this winter. What an outstanding organization!
As winter is quickly approaching, I just know the amazing impact the Vacarro's and "Warm Coats for Cool Kids" will have done. Chicago and Midwestern winters chill you too the bone. Thanks to them and WCFCK, children from families in need will be ready to tackle these intense winters. I was shocked at how many families, so close to to our town were in need. I am blessed to know the Vaccaro's and all who are involved knowing what a huge impact they make in our community and beyond.
I am proud to be a board member of this wonderful organization. Since early spring when I was asked to be on the board, I have watched Garry and Debra work tirelessly and with enthusiasm in getting Warm Coats for Cool Kids launched. Not only have they searched out great deals on new coats, they have met with local groups such as the Rotary Club and school boards to understand what and where the greatest needs are. To date, over 500 coats have been distributed, with another event later today. I have been warmed by all those who have helped to make this nonprofit a success, but even more so by the smiling faces of the kids (and parents) as they pick out a new coat for the winter.
This organization came together from the generous hearts of Debra and Garry Vaccaro.
It has developed with the enthusiastic help and support of family, friends and companies in the community.
It's been inspiring watching it grow and getting to witness the kids receiving the needed coats this school season!
I have only known Debra and Gary for a couple of years - met them during Covid, so most interactions were on-line. However, I've never been more impressed with the dedication of these two people to anything they put their mind to doing.
Debra and I are members or an art league and she's done so much to promote that and gone the extra mile on many occasions throughout the past two years. She was excited to tell me about her husband's retirement activity. I could tell by the enthusiasm in her voice that she was an integral part of this new adventure. Their shared deep commitment to to helping families in need, rather than seeking a profit making retirement activity, sets them apart from many retired couples I know who are more concerned with their own accumulation of wealth. They've decided to give what they can of time and money to helping kids (and adults) stay warm in these cold Chicago area winters.
I've been impressed to see what they've built and the connections they've made in such a short amount of time (long hours + hard work = success)! As a former elementary school principal I know that there are so many families in our suburban areas who will benefit from their help. Consider making a donation or time or money to insure their continued success.
My husband and I volunteered to distribute coats, hats and gloves to children that may not have had otherwise. The smiles on the children and their parents faces were very rewarding! The event was very well orchestrated by the Vaccaro’s and I look forward to volunteering again to fill the need in our communities!
Garry and Debra Vaccaro knew that many local children and their families were in desperate need of warm winter clothing. So they created Warm Coats for Cool Kids, a nonprofit organization to fill that need. In just a few months, they bought hundreds of coats, accepted new and gently used coats and arranged for local distribution. Hundreds of families have already received the benefits of their hard work. Additional funds are greatly needed to help expand their program and the reach of their services! I highly recommend Warm Coats For Cool Kids!
I have known Deb and Garry since high school, I can’t say enough about their dedication and drive putting this dream into fruition, you couldn’t meet a nicer couple, may the force be with you!
Warm Coats for Cool Kids recently had a coat distribution event in a western suburb of Chicago. We distributed 171 new winter coats to children and took another 82 coat orders to be distributed within the next 2 weeks. Additionally, we have distributed close to 100 gently worn coats to local churches for distribution. Warm Coats for Cool Kids is working hard to give warm coats to children in need, and put smile on little faces.
I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Warm Coats for Cool Kids distribution event on 10/3 in Bensenville. It was clear from the start that these people care deeply about their vision of ensuring young people in the area are equipped for the brutal Chicago winters. All of the coats are brand new and the kids even had a variety of coats to choose from which made it feel more like a shopping experience for them. I spoke with the founders, Garry and Debra, who told me about all that is involved to make this happen. Their dedication and selflessness made alot of children very happy. I was proud to be a part of this and I look forward to seeing the happy faces of children who are warm in their new coats for years to come.