Virginia Natural Gas Provides Warmer Days for Children
Energy company partners with Operation Warm to donate 200 coats to needy children in Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Dec. 7, 2020 – With the temperatures falling, it’s a tough reality that for many children across Hampton Roads, a warm winter coat is a luxury their family can’t afford. That’s why this fall, more than 200 children from low-income families will receive brand-new free winter coats courtesy of Virginia Natural Gas (VNG).
Under clear skies and cool temperatures, volunteers from VNG recently delivered full boxes of winter coats to the Rosemont Boys & Girls Club in Virginia Beach. The local energy company has partnered with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing warmth, confidence, and hope for children in need through the gift of brand-new coats. Founded in 1998, Operation Warm and its partners have provided over 3.5 million coats across North America.
“Thanks to our partnership with Operation Warm, hundreds of children will receive coats and be prepared for the upcoming winter, which is especially important this year when more families than ever are in need,” said Ken Magee, VNG Community Affairs manager. “We are proud to be part of this initiative that makes a big impact on our community. For many of these children, this is the first time they have received a new coat.”
Watching the delivery of boxes of coats from a side room, the sound of muffled giggles behind masks filled the room as children waited in anticipation for the chance to receive a special gift.
Peeking around the corner, each one looked at the stack of boxes loaded on the tables and waited patiently to be called forward. The only question asked? “What color would you like?”
For 10-year old Laila, the choice was easy. Blue, as she tightly hugged her new winter coat. For the first time, the fourth-grader had a brand-new coat and was ready for winter.
“This is so cozy and warm,” she said. “This is good and fluffy and now when I go outside to play, I won’t be cold.”
According to Kevin Will, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, investing in the children in our community is one of the most important things they do as an agency and especially important this holiday season.
“We couldn’t do this without the help of Virginia Natural Gas,” said Will. “Not all parents are working during this pandemic and VNG has helped alleviate some of the financial burdens. With this donation, kids will have a warm winter jacket, and parents can breathe a little easier.”
Eight-year-old Jeremiah couldn’t stop thanking the staff and Virginia Natural Gas after receiving his new coat in his favorite colors…orange and blue.
“This coat makes me feel so good and warm,” said Jeremiah, showing off his coat to everyone around him. “They (VNG) showed me so much love and this coat makes me feel so good.”