Hundreds of Capital region students receive new winter coats from Highmark Blue Shield

Latham, New York (Oct. 13, 2026) – Hundreds of local students will head into the winter season a little warmer thanks to a partnership between Highmark Blue Shield and Operation Warm.

For the second consecutive year, through the Highmark Bright Blue Futures program, Highmark Blue Shield partnered with Operation Warm to provide brand-new winter coats to more than 300 students at Carroll Hill School in Troy. The initiative helps ensure children have access to essential cold-weather clothing while fostering confidence and a sense of belonging.

Volunteers from the Tri-City ValleyCats, Albany Med Foundation, Girls on the Run, Ellis Medicine, Siena College, Schenectady City School District, and the Capital District YMCA joined Highmark Blue Shield employees to help students select their preferred winter coats.

As a not-for-profit health plan serving nearly 100,000 members throughout the Capital Region, Highmark Blue Shield is committed to advancing community health and well-being by addressing social and environmental factors that influence quality of life. Through strategic community investments, volunteerism, and partnerships with local organizations, Highmark Blue Shield works to help create healthier, stronger, and more vibrant communities.

“Something as simple as a new winter coat can help ease a burden for families and make a meaningful difference in a child's everyday life,” said Kevin Quaranto, Region Leader, Highmark Blue Shield. “By partnering with Operation Warm, we're helping ensure local students have the support they need to be healthier, more confident and better positioned to succeed both in and out of the classroom. We're proud to be part of an effort that makes a real impact for children and families across our community.”

The event builds on Highmark Blue Shield's longstanding commitment to improving children's health and well-being across the Capital Region. Last year, the organization provided hundreds of winter coats to students at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Schenectady. Highmark also supports local youth and family-serving organizations through the Highmark Blue Fund, Highmark Bright Blue Futures Charitable Giving and Volunteer Program, including longstanding partnerships with organizations such as the South End Children's Café and the Capital District YMCA.

Carroll Hill School shared, “On behalf of the entire Carroll Hill School Community, we extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Highmark Blue Shield and Operation Warm for providing every one of our students with a brand-new winter coat as we approach the cold winter months. Your generosity, kindness, and commitment to our students and families mean so much to our Carroll Hill community. For many of our students, receiving a new winter coat is more than simply having something warm to wear - it is a reminder that our community cares about them and wants to help ensure they are warm, comfortable, and ready to learn throughout the winter season.”

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.