Operation Warm Hearts is helping students and families by collecting winter weather apparel and other needed items. According to WREG, the Teaching and Learning Academy on Union Avenue began accepting donations at 7 a.m., including coats, hats, scarves, gas and grocery gift cards, toys, and electronics. Memphis-Shelby County Schools remain open during the inclement weather, while West Memphis and Marion schools announced a two-hour delay.
Superintendent Rod Richmond, during the Operation Warm Hearts and Holiday Drive, emphasized the essential nature of proper winter apparel for student health and learning readiness. "We want our students to have a hope as well as their parents and anyone who needs coats, gloves or thermal underwear. We want them to have those things that they need that they may not be able to do for themselves," Richmond said, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. The drive, which has supported thousands of students in past years, also received a hefty donation from Service Master to the tune of twenty thousand dollars.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is collecting essentials and holiday gifts to support families during the winter. “It also helps move any barriers that our families may have,” said Rosalind Stevenson, the district’s director of Family Engagement. “So, as we are moving those barriers, that's just a way for us to get students into their seats, ready to learn on a day-to-day basis,” as per Action News 5. A warming shelter is open at First Baptist Church on 200 East Parkway North for anyone who needs immediate help.
