July 2026 - Published in: 2025 Annual Report - The winter season is always a struggle for so many local residents. To help them prepare, Friends of Southington Community Services created Operation Stay Warm, a community-supported program providing free winter clothing and accessories to those in need. Operation Stay Warm provides a shop that allows individuals and families to get much-needed warm clothing, including coats, hats, mittens, and accessories. All items are either new or in pristine condition, donated by community partners and individuals, and set up in a way that feels like shopping. A $2,000 grant from the KAWFY Memorial Fund at MSCF supported the purchase of dedicated equipment and supplies essential for the operation of the program. In 2025, Operation Stay Warm distributed over 850 winter coats and accessories to the Southington community, an increase from 830 in 2024 and 530 in 2023.