Operation Orange Warmup to Collect Winter Coats for Community at Nov. 12 Football Game Against Florida State

For the second time this year, Syracuse University is partnering with Central New York nonprofit organizations for Operation Orange Warmup, a collection drive for warm winter coats to help individuals and families in need in our local community.

Donations of new (and clean, nearly new) winter coats will be collected at the Syracuse football game vs. Florida State on Saturday, Nov. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. ahead of an 8 p.m. kickoff in the JMA Wireless Dome. The game is also Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day.

Bins will be placed at 11 points outside the JMA Wireless Dome to collect items, as well as at the Stars and Stripes tailgate at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex beginning at 5 p.m. Following the game, donations will be accepted at Hendricks Chapel from Nov. 13-18, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse from Nov. 14-18, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for faculty, staff and students who wish to contribute to this effort.

Organizers are only asking for new or nearly new coats, and there is a particularly strong need in the community for children’s coats, as they tend to outgrow their outerwear each year.

“Syracuse University is proud to once again partner with community agencies to help ensure our friends and neighbors have the warm coats they need this winter,” says Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative on campus. “By doing this collection early in the giving season, we hope to make a meaningful impact in our community.”

Student volunteers from groups across the University will help with the collection effort, as well as with sorting and laundering donations.

Partner agencies include InterFaith Works, Catholic Charities and Hendricks Chapel. Collected items will be distributed by these organizations across Central New York. Members of the campus community who have a personal need for donated winter gear may contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or chapel@syr.edu.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire Syracuse University community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!