UnitedHealthcare Winter Coat Donations to Kids in Need

LS2group has the opportunity to help UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Iowa (UHC) make a meaningful local impact through a charitable donation aimed at helping children in need stay warm in winter.

As 2017 was projected to be one of the coldest winters in recent history, LS2group partnered with UnitedHealthcare to organize winter coat and clothing giveaways at three elementary schools in Sioux City and Waterloo with higher populations of families in need.

After identifying which schools would benefit the most from donations of coats and winter clothing, LS2group collaborated with school administrators and teachers to plan and execute events in December of 2017. These giveaways were set up as a “shopping experience” at each elementary school. Brand new coats, hats, and gloves were laid out for students to choose from. Each student had pretend “Dr. Health E. Hound bucks” they used to “purchase” their desired winter wear. The UHC mascot, Dr. Health E. Hound, also came to celebrate with the kids.

The team pitched local media in both Sioux City and Waterloo’s markets and blanketed each market with nearly 20 positive stories that day. Local elected officials and community members also attended and helped distribute coats during the events, leading to positive relationship building moments for UHC officials and local leaders.

The students’ joy and excitement over choosing their own new winter gear was palpable, and helped everyone involved get in the holiday spirit. The events also created goodwill within the schools and communities as a whole. Most importantly, the donations made a real impact for families in need.