On Thursday, January 23, 2025, representatives from Yark Subaru, Operation Warm, the Art Tatum Zone, Toledo Public Schools, and United Way of Greater Toledo along with community volunteers come together to provide brand new shoes and socks to 204 children from Pickett Academy in Central Toledo.
Nestled in the vibrant Junction Neighborhood, Pickett Academy serves students who face numerous challenges in their daily lives. Recognizing these hardships, the Art Tatum Zone—a nonprofit organization deeply rooted in the community—aims to provide comprehensive support for students and families from early childhood through their professional journeys. The Art Tatum Zone operates in an area where an overwhelming 99.7% of the students are classified as economically disadvantaged, often lacking access to basic necessities such as shoes and socks, sometimes leading to absences and lower educational attainment.
For 25 years, Operation Warm has dedicated itself to the holistic development of children. Their motto, “more than a coat,” signifies that the coats and shoes they distribute not only offer physical protection against the cold but also foster emotional well-being, boost self-esteem, and inspire hope for a brighter future…