Operation Warm

I've been volunteering as an intern with Operation Warm for almost a year and it's been a tremendously rewarding experience. I've heard first hand from people benefiting from their organization and their gratitude towards those working to make their community a better place. Although it's based in Pennsylvania and a large amount of their fundraising goes back to the surrounding areas, I've fielded calls from across the country reiterating the same sentiments. With over one million coats already distributed to children in need, they are still constantly challenging themselves to help more and expand their reach. Working with this organization has opened my eyes not only to the problem facing underprivileged in our country, but that there are thousands of volunteers and campaigns to do something to stop it. I could not recommend working with or working for this organization more highly.

I interned with Operation Warm because I wanted to make a difference and learn new skills in a non-profit setting. This opportunity gave me a diverse array of experiences in fundraising, marketing, social/media, and research. During my internship, I worked on projects such as grant writing, letters of inquiry to small businesses, development of outcomes assessment questionnaires, researching fundraising through mobile giving, and promoting the Delaware Challenge. There is a positive team atmosphere among the staff and interns. Everyone in the office was helpful, collaborative, and supportive throughout my internship experience. It was great to work with a group of caring and creative problem solvers. I am grateful for the chance to work on meaningful projects with such amazing people. A big thanks especially to Paul Daigle, my supervisor, who took me under his wing and taught me so much with a lot of enthusiasm. It was exciting to be a part of the coat distributions as well.

I worked as an intern with Operation Warm during the Summer of 2012. My only regret is that I was not able to spend more time assisting this benevolent organization. Even though it was not the coat-giving time of year, I still felt as though my efforts had a substantial impact. I was assigned a variety of tasks ranging from corporate grant research to updating website tool-kits. This variety kept daily tasks interesting, and helped me to develop a myriad of useful skills that I will use in future job opportunities. I would recommend volunteering with Operation Warm to anyone who is interested in helping the community, enhancing work-related skills, or looking to build a resume.