Cultivating Confidence through Continued Community Care
By Malcolm Jenkins Foundation
The moment before a child walks out the door, everything comes together. Their backpack is packed. Shoes are on. The door opens, and the opportunities of the day await.
When the weather turns cold, there is one more essential to reach for: a warm coat. Having one that fits, and that a child feels good wearing, can make a difference every day.
Through the #GetReadyTogether campaign, the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (MJF) set a goal of providing winter coats for the youth of 1,400 families . At Get Ready Fest® 2026, our Equity Champion, ACME provided 1,680 brand-new winter coats for attending families.
Children shopped for coats alongside ACME team members. They could browse, try on different styles, and chose a coat they wanted to wear. That choice made the experience personal.
A Legacy of Caring for Families
For more than 135 years, ACME has been part of how families prepare for the week ahead. As a Get Ready Fest® 2026 sponsor, ACME also helped families prepare for the coldest season of the year.
“ACME Markets has been in the Philadelphia area for over 135 years. We love Philly, and we love giving back to Philly. Giving back is what we’re all about. And if each and every one of us can spread that fruit throughout our families, throughout our communities, what a better Philly we will all be.” - Steve Nejman, Store Director, ACME
Ten ACME team members worked alongside MJF volunteers to creat a welcoming coat shopping experience for youth to choose a new piece of their everyday wardrobe. They unpacked coats shipped from Operation Warm, organized them by size, color and style, and displayed them for young people to browse and try on. They helped each child find the right fit and took time to ask, 'Which one do you like most?
Making More Possible, Together
ACME’s support for families extends beyond this year’s Get Ready Fest®. Young people in Philadelphia, PA and Newark, NJ will also receive brand new winter coats alongside baskets filled with holiday meal essentials.
One day’s opportunity can be a stepping stone for what happens next. A child heads into the season with more warmth and confidence. Parents can plan beyond the day and the season, looking toward what comes next.
A family stands at the open door, ready to head into a cold morning.
Ready for the day. Ready for the season. Ready for what comes next.
Ready for the day. Ready for the season. Ready for what comes next.
Thank you to our Equity Champion, ACME, for helping make a warm coat more than something to wear. Your support and care strengthen youth and families each and every day throughout the seasons.
