Our Story

In the heart of winter, Carla Harrell’s daily commute led her along a lightly snow-covered road in Dallas, Texas. One frosty morning in February 2011, she noticed a child walking to school with only a thin hoodie as protection against the biting cold. Carla’s heart clenched, and empathy stirred within her.

Without hesitation, Carla dialed Sir Earl Toon’s number. Known for his musical talent and even greater heart, Sir Earl listened intently as Carla described the scene. His smooth voice resonated through the phone, urging her to take action. “Go to the school,” he advised. “Find the kid. We’ll get the kid a coat.”

Carla hesitated, feeling uncomfortable about going to the school alone. She asked Sir Earl if he could accompany her. Without hesitation, he agreed.  Together, on that same day, they drove to the school, their mission clear: find the child who braved the cold with nothing but a thin layer of fabric. The principal, Anthony Chavez, at Stephen C. Foster Elementary School greeted them, his stern expression softening as Sir Earl explained their purpose. “We need to find that kid. We want to give her a coat.”

The principal shook his head. “It’s impossible,” he replied. “There are dozens of kids in need of coats. We have so many students, and tracking down one specific child would be impossible. “Sir Earl interrupted. “Then let’s do something bigger. Let’s warm them all.”

And so, the name and seed of “Give a Kid a Coat” were planted. Carla and Sir Earl rallied themselves, igniting a coat drive that spread like wildfire. By the Amazing Grace of God, Sir Earl Toon and Carla Harrell personally funded over seventy coats for Stephen C. Foster Elementary School before establishing the 501(c)(3). 

But they didn’t stop there. In 2012, “Give A Kid A Coat” became a 501(c)(3, later tapping into the dance fitness community, intertwining their passion for movement with compassion. 

“Give A Kid A Coat” drives became regular events, extending their reach beyond the school walls. DSID’s homeless program and RSID received bundles of coats, eventually spreading donations to Oklahoma and Louisiana.

As snow melted into spring, Sir Earl and Carla reflected on that chilly morning drive. They realized that sometimes discomfort leads to beautiful transformations. The kid in the thin hoodie remained a mystery, but their plight had sparked a movement still witnessed today by many—one that warmed hearts as much as bodies.

“Give a Kid a Coat” became more than a mission; it became a reminder that compassion could thaw even the coldest days. Carla and Sir Earl’s legacy lives on, wrapped snugly in every donated coat, every smile, and every shared warmth.

Please continue reading to learn more about Give A Kid A Coat’s Mission and how you can help sponsor a kid (monetarily or by giving coats/socks/gloves/scarfs/hats/undergarments/toys etc).