When temperatures begin to drop, many of us reach for a warm coat or an extra blanket. But for thousands of Veterans across the country—many of whom are facing housing insecurity—winter can be a season of hardship. That’s where Operation: Warm Winter comes in: a nationwide effort to collect warm winter items for homeless and at-risk Veterans.

What is Operation: Warm Winter?

Operation: Warm Winter is a seasonal campaign that runs from July 1 – September 30 each year. The goal is simple but powerful: collect and distribute warm clothing and supplies to Veterans who are most vulnerable during the cold winter months. Items collected through this campaign are distributed during VA-hosted Stand Downs and Veteran resource events across the country, as well as to VA caseworkers who interact with the population regularly and know when a community member is in need.

These items include:

• NEW and unused Winter coats and jackets (waterproof a plus)
• NEW and unused Warm hats
• NEW and unused Winter gloves (waterproof a plus)
• NEW and unused blankets (store-bought or handmade)

Why We Start Early

You might be wondering: why do we launch a winter-focused campaign in the summer?

The answer is simple: preparation saves lives. Starting the collection drive in the summer ensures that warm items are in hand and ready to distribute as soon as the weather begins to change.

By collecting early, we help VA caseworkers and outreach teams respond quickly to Veterans in need—before the cold sets in. It’s proactive compassion, not reactive aid.

How the Program Works

Soldiers’ Angels coordinates with VA medical centers and caseworkers to ensure that donated items are delivered where they’re most needed. All collected items should be shipped to Soldiers’ Angels headquarters in San Antonio, where we will sort and redistribute them accordingly.

The campaign is a great way to engage your community or workplace in meaningful action. Whether you’re a corporate office, school group, faith-based organization, or just a compassionate individual, Operation: Warm Winter offers an opportunity to give back in a tangible, life-changing way.

Host a Collection Drive in Your Community or Workplace

Starting your own Operation: Warm Winter collection drive is easy—and it makes a huge impact. Here’s how:

1. Set up a collection area in a high-traffic location like a lobby, classroom, or breakroom.
2. Share flyers or posters to spread the word. Soldiers’ Angels provides printable materials to help you promote your drive.
3. Collect new, unused items like coats, gloves, socks, and blankets.
4. Fill out the donate form on our website
5. Ship donations to Soldiers’ Angels HQ in San Antonio.

Whether you collect 10 items or 100, every item helps a Veteran feel seen, supported, and warm.

Why It Matters

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 33,000 Veterans were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2023. Many more are housing insecure or living without sufficient resources to protect themselves from cold weather. Operation: Warm Winter ensures these Veterans don’t have to face the winter months unprepared and alone.

You can be the reason a Veteran stays warm this winter. By participating in Operation: Warm Winter, you’re not just donating clothing—you’re delivering dignity, protection, and care to those who’ve served our country. Learn more and get started here.

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