Monday, October 06, 2025
Latham, N.Y. (October 6, 2025) — Highmark Blue Shield, with Operation Warm, today hosted a coat drive, providing a brand-new winter coat to all 400 students at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Schenectady.
Volunteers from Tri City Valley Cats, Albany Med Foundation, Girls on the Run, Ellis Medicine, Siena College, Schenectady School District and the Capital District YMCA joined Highmark Blue Shield employees to assist the children in selecting their preferred coats ahead of the impending winter weather.
As a not-for-profit health plan that serves nearly 100,000 members across the Capital Region, Highmark Blue Shield significantly invests in organizations and initiatives that improve community health and well-being. Highmark employees also embrace their legacy of giving back through a variety of volunteer efforts throughout the Capital Region each year.
“A warm coat can make a world of difference to a child in need during the winter months” said Kevin Quaranto, Region Leader, Highmark Blue Shield. “At Highmark Blue Shield, we understand that meeting fundamental needs of our neighbors is essential to fostering a healthier community, and we are honored to play a part in this crucial effort.”
This event builds upon Highmark's ongoing commitment to enhancing children's health. Last year, Highmark Blue Shield provided financial and volunteer support through the Highmark Blue Fund to organizations like the South End Children's Café and the Capital District YMCA.
“Operation Warm is honored to partner with Highmark Blue Shield to provide brand-new coats to children in under-resourced communities. Together with our dedicated supporters, we are helping kids thrive and building stronger communities—one coat at a time,” said Michael Andrews, Operation Warm.
Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that delivers brand-new coats, shoes, and sports bras to children in need, offering warmth, confidence, and hope to families across the country. For over 25 years, Operation Warm has empowered children through programs that not only meet basic needs but also connect them to vital community resources.
About Highmark Blue Shield
Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1946, Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
For more information, contact
Amber Hartmann
716-208-9534
Amber.Hartmann@highmarkhealth.com
